This bill amends federal law to establish specific venue rules for certain offenses committed within the **National Capital Region** on **Federal Government-controlled property**. It mandates that an indictment or information for such crimes must initially be filed in the district of the offender's last known residence. If no such residence is known, the filing may occur in the District of Columbia. A significant provision allows a defendant to request a transfer of the indictment or information to the district court encompassing their domicile. However, this right to transfer is limited; if multiple defendants seek transfer, only the first motion filed will be granted, and defendants not domiciled in the United States are ineligible to request such a transfer. The bill defines the National Capital Region to include Washington D.C. and specific counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia, and clarifies that federal property excludes that of the United States Postal Service. These new venue rules will apply to any offense for which a trial has not yet been scheduled as of the bill's enactment, provided the offense is not already subject to other specific federal venue statutes.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
District of ColumbiaFederal district courtsJurisdiction and venueMarylandVirginia
Venue Named Under Exception Act
USA119th CongressHR-194| House
| Updated: 1/3/2025
This bill amends federal law to establish specific venue rules for certain offenses committed within the **National Capital Region** on **Federal Government-controlled property**. It mandates that an indictment or information for such crimes must initially be filed in the district of the offender's last known residence. If no such residence is known, the filing may occur in the District of Columbia. A significant provision allows a defendant to request a transfer of the indictment or information to the district court encompassing their domicile. However, this right to transfer is limited; if multiple defendants seek transfer, only the first motion filed will be granted, and defendants not domiciled in the United States are ineligible to request such a transfer. The bill defines the National Capital Region to include Washington D.C. and specific counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia, and clarifies that federal property excludes that of the United States Postal Service. These new venue rules will apply to any offense for which a trial has not yet been scheduled as of the bill's enactment, provided the offense is not already subject to other specific federal venue statutes.