Concealed Crime Prevention Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Burchett

Adds mandatory extra prison time for crimes in DC when a ski mask is worn (6 months for misdemeanors, 2 years for felonies) upon enactment.

Introduced in House

Summary of Bill: Concealed Crime Prevention Act (H.R. 9775)

Purpose and intent

Introduces enhanced penalties for individuals who wear a ski mask while committing a criminal offense in the District of Columbia.

The bill aims to deter crimes by raising the potential incarceration time specifically when a ski mask is worn during the offense.

Key provisions and changes

Adds a new Section 206 to the end of Title II of the District of Columbia Theft and White Collar Crime Act (DC Official Code) to establish enhanced penalties.

Enhanced penalties (applicable in addition to any other sentence for the offense):

For misdemeanors: a term of imprisonment of not less than 6 months, to run consecutively with any other term.
For felonies: a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years, to run consecutively with any other term.

Definition of “ski mask”:

A balaclava or similar head covering that exposes only the eyes, nose, and mouth and conceals the wearer’s identity.
Religious headwear is expressly excluded from the definition.

Applicability:

The enhanced penalty applies to offenses committed in the District of Columbia on or after the enactment date.

Who or what is affected

Individuals committing offenses in the District of Columbia who wear a ski mask during the commission of a criminal offense.

The provision targets perpetrators by mandating additional consecutive imprisonment terms based on the offense’s classification (misdemeanor or felony).

The definition explicitly excludes religious headwear, narrowing the scope to non-religious ski mask coverings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the 119th Congress on July 20, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Effective date: The enhanced penalties apply to offenses committed in DC on or after the date of enactment of the bill (i.e., prospective only).

Potential impact and considerations

Deterrence: The prospect of a mandatory additional term (6 months for misdemeanors; 2 years for felonies) when a ski mask is worn could deter offenders from concealing their identity.

Consequences for defendants: Adds mandatory consecutive sentences, increasing total potential incarceration for affected offenses.

Scope and clarity: The bill clearly defines what constitutes a “ski mask” and excludes religious headwear, reducing ambiguity.

Regional focus: Applies specifically to offenses in the District of Columbia, with no nationwide effect.