Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025

Sponsored byRep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]AZ· Introduced 3 janvier 2025

Open on Congress.gov

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Latest action

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 13.

10 juin 2025·1 year ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 11 février 2025

Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025

This bill establishes a default mens rea standard (i.e., state of mind requirement) for federal criminal offenses—statutory and regulatory—that lack an explicit standard.

The government must generally prove that a defendant acted knowingly with respect to each element of an offense for which the text does not specify a state of mind.

Timeline

5 actions

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
10 juin 2025 · Committee
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 13.
10 juin 2025 · Committee
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
3 janvier 2025 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
3 janvier 2025 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
3 janvier 2025 · IntroReferral

Sponsorship

2 cosponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]AZ

Cosponsors

Republican2100%

Republican:Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]TX
Republican:Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5]TN

Classification

Policy area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Legislative subjects

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationCriminal procedure and sentencing

Cosponsor momentum

Cumulative over time

Track Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025 as it moves through Congress