This bill makes prison sentences in Washington, D.C., much tougher for certain violent crimes. It requires life in prison without parole for first-degree murder, and it allows that sentence even for people under 18 who are convicted of first-degree murder . It also sets new mandatory minimums for second-degree murder, rape, first-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping, carjacking, and first-degree burglary. It changes some rules so judges can give longer sentences in certain serious sexual abuse cases .

Key points

• Who is affected: People charged in D.C. with the crimes listed below, on or after the date this becomes law.
• What changes:
  • First-degree murder: mandatory life without parole.
  • Second-degree murder: at least 10 years, up to life.
  • Rape: at least 25 years; at least 30 years if the person has a prior violent-crime conviction.
  • First-degree sexual abuse: at least 25 years, up to life; also eases limits on giving sentences over 30 years in some cases .
  • Kidnapping: at least 10 years, up to 30 years.
  • Carjacking: at least 10 years if unarmed; at least 20 years if armed.
  • First-degree burglary: at least 10 years.
• When: Applies to charges filed on or after the day it becomes law.