Bill Summary
The "End Endless Criminal Statutes Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at repealing various federal laws that impose criminal penalties for actions deemed unnecessary or outdated. The bill identifies specific actions that would no longer carry criminal consequences, including trivial offenses such as writing a check for less than one dollar, selling or possessing colored margarine under restrictive conditions, and discarding produce without sufficient cause.
The legislation seeks to streamline the legal code by repealing or amending several sections of existing laws, thereby eliminating penalties for these actions. Additionally, it proposes an amendment to clarify the intent required for offenses related to the uniforms of letter carriers, ensuring that wearing such uniforms must be done with the intent to commit a crime to be considered an offense. Overall, this bill reflects an effort to reduce unnecessary criminalization and simplify federal statutes.
Possible Impacts
The "End Endless Criminal Statutes Act" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Reduced Legal Risks for Minor Offenses**: By repealing criminal penalties for actions such as writing a check for less than $1 or discarding produce, individuals may no longer face legal repercussions for behaviors that are often unintentional or trivial. This change could alleviate anxiety and financial strain for individuals who might otherwise fear criminal charges for such minor infractions.
2. **Encouragement of Economic Activity**: The repeal of laws related to the sale and possession of colored margarine or making coins of original design could potentially stimulate small businesses and creative enterprises. Individuals who were previously deterred from engaging in these activities due to the threat of criminal charges may now feel more empowered to participate in these markets.
3. **Clarification of Legal Standards**: By amending laws related to the intent required for wearing postal uniforms, the legislation could reduce ambiguities and potential wrongful prosecutions for individuals who might wear such uniforms without malicious intent. This change could foster a more just legal environment and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary legal entanglements for citizens engaging in legitimate activities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 98 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 98
To repeal certain unnecessary criminal offenses, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Biggs of Arizona introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To repeal certain unnecessary criminal offenses, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``End Endless Criminal Statutes Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that actions which may unnecessarily carry criminal
penalties under Federal statues include the following:
(1) Writing a check for less than $1.
(2) Selling or possessing colored oleomargarine or colored
margarine unless they are packaged and labeled or served in a
triangular shape.
(3) Discarding produce without sufficient cause or making a
false report concerning that produce.
(4) Removing a stamp from any mail matter.
(5) Making metal coins of original design or attempting to
use such coins.
(6) Wearing the uniform of letter carriers of the Postal
Service.
(7) Detaining a seaman's clothing.
(8) Boarding any vessel about to arrive at her destination
before such arrival is complete.
(9) Placing mailable matter in a mailbox without postage
attached to it.
(10) Sledding on the Capitol grounds when the Capitol
Police are directed to prevent any portion of the Capitol
grounds from being used as a playground.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF FEDERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Section 336 of title 18, United States Code, is repealed.
(b) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 407 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 347) are repealed.
(c) Section 1 of the Act of March 3, 1927 (7 U.S.C. 491; 44 Stat.
1355) is repealed.
(d) Section 1720 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``Whoever unlawfully and willfully removes from any mail
matter any stamp attached thereto in payment of postage; or''.
(e) Section 486 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``or of original design.''.
(f) Section 11110 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
striking the second sentence.
(g) Section 2279 of title 18, United States Code, is repealed.
(h) Section 1725 of title 18, United States Code, is repealed.
(i) The Act entitled ``An Act to protect the public property, turf,
and grass of the Capitol Grounds from injury.'' (2 U.S.C. 1963) is
repealed.
SEC. 4. INTENT REQUIREMENT FOR OFFENSE RELATED TO UNIFORMS OF LETTER
CARRIER.
Section 1730 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting after ``to be worn by letter carriers''
the following: ``with the intent to commit an offense under
this chapter''; and
(2) by striking the second undesignated paragraph.
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