Venue Named Under Exception Act
Venue Named Under Exception Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Venue Named Under Exception Act (HR 194) **What the Bill Does:** The VENUE Act would change where criminal cases are tried for crimes committed on federal property in the Washington, DC area (including parts of Maryland and Virginia). Currently, such cases are typically tried in DC courts. Under this bill, these cases would instead be tried in federal court in the district where the defendant last lived.
If the defendant's last residence is unknown, the case could still be tried in DC. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects people accused of crimes on federal property in the National Capital Region and the courts that handle these cases. It could impact high-profile cases involving federal buildings or grounds in the DC area. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Keith Self (R-TX) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Venue Named Under Exception Act or the VENUE ActThis bill changes the venue rules for cases involving criminal offenses on federal property in the National Capital Region. Venue refers to the court where it is proper for a case to proceed.Specifically, the bill requires certain cases involving criminal offenses committed on federal property in the National Capital Region (Washington, DC and specified regions of Maryland and Virginia) to be brought in the district of the last known residence of the offender (or of any one of two or more joint offenders). If the last residence of the offender is not known, then the case may be brought in DC.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.