Bill · H.R. 5143· House(119-HR-5143)
District of Columbia Policing Protection Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 9/4/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Received in the Senate.
- Sponsored by
- Clay Higgins
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Awaiting Senate
What this bill would do
The District of Columbia Policing Protection Act of 2025 establishes standards for law enforcement officers in the District of Columbia regarding vehicular pursuits. It amends existing D.C. law to redefine when an officer may engage in a pursuit of a fleeing suspect. Under the new standards, a pursuit is allowed unless it poses an unacceptable risk of harm to others, is futile, or if the suspect can be caught more effectively by other means. Additionally, the Act mandates a Department of Justice report regarding technology that could alert the public to active pursuits.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill requires the Attorney General to evaluate and publish a report on technology that alerts the public to police pursuits.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+1
The evaluation of PursuitAlert technology aims to provide residents with real-time alerts regarding active police chases in their vicinity.
The opposite
Does this change how police departments operate?-3
The bill relaxes existing restrictions on vehicular pursuits by allowing them unless an unacceptable risk is reasonably believed.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?-1
The bill changes standards for vehicular pursuits which may disproportionately impact communities of color during police interactions.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?-1
The change in pursuit standards could increase law enforcement contact and risk in heavily policed communities.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: the vote on whether to pass the billPassed 245–182
This is the real decision in this chamber. Passing here sends the bill to the other chamber, which must pass it too before it can go to the President.
09/17/2025 · Roll call 275 · recorded as “On Passage”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Public Safety Technology Evaluation: The Attorney General is required to evaluate the costs and benefits of "PursuitAlert" or similar technology that alerts the public to police pursuits in their immediate vicinity (Section 2(b)(1)). This could potentially help people stay informed and safe during active police chases.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Risk of Harm: The bill allows law enforcement officers to engage in vehicular pursuits unless they reasonably believe the pursuit would entail an "unacceptable risk of harm to a person other than the suspect" (Section 2(a)(C)(1)(A)). This change to the standards for engaging in pursuits could impact public safety.
-
Changes to Law Enforcement Definitions: The Act amends the law to specify that certain terms do not include "a sworn federal law enforcement officer of a covered federal law enforcement agency" (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform-3Improves Racial Equity-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+1Good For African Americans-1
| Updated | Bill | Title | Policy Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year ago | On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection. |
- 9/18/2025
- Received in the Senate.
- 9/17/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 182 (Roll no. 275). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4379)
- On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 182 (Roll no. 275). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4379)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4395)
- POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 5143, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Garcia (CA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5143.
- Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4379)
- 9/15/2025
- Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 707 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.
- 9/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Byron DonaldsRepublican · Florida
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina