CPAC Supports Criminal Justice Reforms Passed by House Judiciary Committee

CPAC's Nolan Center for Justice celebrates the House Judiciary Committee's passage of three landmark pieces of legislation: H.R. 59 (Mens Rea Reform Act), H.R. 98 (End Endless Criminal Statutes Act), and H.R. 2159 (Count the Crimes to Cut Act).

These Acts ensure fairness, nuance, and common sense in our criminal justice system, accounting for the offender’s culpability, decluttering the federal criminal code, and promoting the criminal justice system’s efficiency. The CPAC Center for Criminal Justice Reform continues to support conservatives and bipartisan efforts for fair, common-sense criminal justice reform legislation.

H.R. 59, The Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025

The Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025 is a vital step toward ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system by addressing a critical lapse in federal law: the requirement of a clear state of mind, or mens rea (guilty mind), for criminal convictions. 

Many federal offenses currently lack an explicitly defined mental state, leading to potential overreach where individuals may face severe penalties, imprisonment, or fines of $2,500 or more, without proof of intent or awareness of wrongdoing. 

By establishing a default "knowingly" standard for elements of crimes where no state of mind is specified, this legislation protects against unjust prosecutions, ensuring that only those who knowingly violate the law face punishment. This reform promotes clarity and consistency, aligning federal law with the fundamental principle that criminal liability should require culpable intent.

The Act is thoughtfully balanced in its application by excluding certain offenses, such as those under military law, and respecting existing Supreme Court precedents or statutory provisions that require a higher degree of mental culpability. Its safeguards prevent unfair application to past cases, preserving defenses and avoiding increased penalties for prior conduct.

By requiring future laws to explicitly reference and modify this Act to override its provisions, Congress ensures its enduring impact. The Mens Rea Reform Act strengthens fairness and common sense in the criminal justice system by prioritizing intent, reducing the risk of punishing innocent mistakes.

H.R. 98, The End Endless Criminal Statutes Act

The End Endless Criminal Statutes Act is a commendable reform aimed at decluttering the federal criminal code by repealing outdated and trivial offenses that unnecessarily burden the legal system.

By eliminating statutes that criminalize actions such as writing checks under $1, mishandling colored margarine, or sledding on Capitol grounds, this legislation targets laws that lack practical relevance in modern society. These archaic provisions dilute the seriousness of the criminal code and risk over-penalizing harmless conduct. Streamlining these laws promotes a more just and efficient legal framework, ensuring that federal resources focus on serious crimes while reducing unjust prosecutions.

The Act amends provisions, such as adding an intent requirement for wearing a postal carrier’s uniform, ensuring that only those with criminal intent face penalties. This reform protects individuals from being punished for innocent or trivial actions while maintaining the integrity of necessary regulations. By addressing these obscure statutes, the End Endless Criminal Statutes Act enhances clarity and fairness in the justice system, aligning federal law with common sense and modern priorities.

H.R. 2159, The Count the Crimes to Cut Act of 2025

The Count the Crimes to Cut Act of 2025 is a bipartisan effort, introduced by Representatives Roy, McBath, Biggs, and Cohen, toward enhancing transparency and accountability in the federal criminal justice system.

By mandating a comprehensive report from the Attorney General and federal agencies on all criminal statutory and regulatory offenses, including their elements, penalties, prosecution history, and mens rea requirements, this legislation addresses the complexity and opacity of the federal criminal code.

The creation of publicly accessible online indexes for these offenses will empower citizens, lawmakers, and legal professionals to better understand the scope of federal criminal law, fostering informed discussions about necessary reforms to eliminate outdated or excessive punitive statutes.

This bipartisan bill promotes efficiency without requiring additional appropriations, leveraging existing resources to compile critical data within one to two years. By cataloging offenses and their enforcement over the past 15 years, the Act enables Congress to identify and potentially repeal unnecessary or overly broad laws, reducing the risk of unjust prosecutions.

The emphasis on mens rea requirements ensures clarity on the intent needed for convictions, reinforcing fairness in the justice system. The Count the Crimes to Cut Act is a practical, forward-thinking measure that strengthens public trust and supports a more equitable legal framework.

CPAC Supports Common-Sense Legislation

The passage of H.R. 59, H.R. 98, and H.R. 2159 advances a fairer, more transparent, and efficient federal criminal justice system. These historic reforms, establishing a mens rea standard, repealing outdated and trivial statutes, and mandating comprehensive reporting of criminal offenses, address critical issues of complexity and lack of clarity in federal law.

By prioritizing intent, streamlining the criminal code, and enhancing public access to legal information, these Acts uphold justice and common sense. The Nolan Center for Justice supports these bipartisan efforts and remains committed to advocating for policies that protect individual rights while fostering a more equitable and effective legal framework for all Americans.