H.R. 5143
IntroducedDistrict of Columbia Policing Protection Act of 2025
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.
9/18/2025 • Senate
Summary
District of Columbia Policing Protection Act
This bill repeals restrictions on the circumstances under which law enforcement officers in the District of Columbia (DC) may engage in vehicular pursuits (i.e., police chases) of suspects fleeing in motor vehicles, and instead generally requires such pursuits in the absence of other means of apprehension.
Currently, pursuant to DC's Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, law enforcement officers generally may not engage in vehicular pursuits of suspects fleeing in motor vehicles unless the officer reasonably believes (1) the suspect was involved in a crime of violence or poses an immediate and serious threat to another person, (2) the pursuit is necessary to prevent that threat and is not likely to result in death or serious injury to any person, and (3) all other options have been exhausted or are unreasonable given the circumstances.
The bill repeals these restrictions and instead requires law enforcement officers to engage in vehicular pursuits of suspects fleeing in motor vehicles unless the officer or a higher-ranking officer reasonably believes that (1) such pursuit would be futile, (2) the pursuit would entail an unacceptable risk of harm to a person other than the suspect, or (3) the suspect can be apprehended more effectively or expeditiously by other means.
The bill also requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress on the costs and benefits of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department adopting technology that alerts the public of an active police pursuit in their immediate vicinity.
Introduced in House • 9/4/2025
Topics & Subjects
CBO Cost Estimates (1)
Amendments (1)
This bill has 1 amendment proposed or adopted.
View all amendments on Congress.govRelated Federal Spending
Sponsor & Cosponsors (3)
Party Breakdown
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Bill Journey
Originated in the House
Introduced
September 4, 2025
Committee Review
September 10, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.
Floor Debate
September 17, 2025
Passed Chamber
Other Chamber
September 18, 2025
President
Enacted into Law