Concealed Crime Prevention Act
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9775, the "Concealed Crime Prevention Act," would amend the District of Columbia Theft and White Collar Crime Act of 1982 to create an enhanced criminal penalty for wearing a ski mask while committing a crime in Washington, D.C. Under the bill, anyone who wears a ski mask—defined as a balaclava or similar covering that hides the face except for the eyes, nose, and mouth, and that excludes religious headwear—while committing an offense would face an additional prison term on top of any sentence for the underlying crime: at least six months for a misdemeanor and at least two years for a felony, served consecutively rather than at the same time as the other sentence.
The bill would apply only to offenses committed in the District of Columbia, affecting individuals charged with crimes there who wore such face coverings during the offense. It would not change penalties for wearing masks generally, only for doing so while committing a separate criminal act, and it would take effect for offenses committed on or after enactment.
The bill was introduced on July 20, 2026, by Rep. Tim Burchett and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It has not yet been the subject of committee action, floor votes, or Senate consideration, and its future consideration is not indicated in the available material.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 20, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9775 do?
- H.R. 9775, the "Concealed Crime Prevention Act," would amend the District of Columbia Theft and White Collar Crime Act of 1982 to create an enhanced criminal penalty for wearing a ski mask while committing a crime in Washington, D.C. Under the bill, anyone who wears a ski mask—defined as a balaclava or similar covering that hides the face except for the eyes, nose, and mouth, and that excludes religious headwear—while committing an offense would face an additional prison term on top of any sentence for the underlying crime: at least six months for a misdemeanor and at least two years for a felony, served consecutively rather than at the same time as the other sentence. The bill would apply only to offenses committed in the District of Columbia, affecting individuals charged with crimes there who wore such face coverings during the offense. It would not change penalties for wearing masks generally, only for doing so while committing a separate criminal act, and it would take effect for offenses committed on or after enactment. The bill was introduced on July 20, 2026, by Rep. Tim Burchett and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It has not yet been the subject of committee action, floor votes, or Senate consideration, and its future consideration is not indicated in the available material.
- Has H.R. 9775 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Jul 2026, H.R. 9775 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9775?
- H.R. 9775 was sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett [R-TN2] (Republican-TN), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9775?
- Introduced (20 Jul 2026).
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