Yesterday, Representative John Carter (TX-31) introduced the Military Installation Non-Adult Offender Reform (MINOR) Act, along with Representatives Roger Williams (R-TX-25) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28). The MINOR Act requires the Department of Defense to enter into agreements with the head prosecutor of each state. These agreements will give jurisdiction of juvenile-on-juvenile crimes that happen on military installations to civilian authorities.

“The Department of Defense Inspector General’s report made one thing clear, the lack of definitive policies regarding juvenile-on-juvenile crime on military installations left minor victims and their families without a place to turn for help,” said Representative Carter. “The MINOR Act will create agreements between the Department of Defense and prosecutors so that juvenile crime is handled by the civilian system. Under this legislation, victims will receive justice and perpetrators will face consequences. Military families already face many challenges associated with military life, but this shouldn’t be one of them.” 

“No victim should be abandoned by our judicial system, especially men and women in uniform and their families,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This legislation will allow state and local prosecutors to pursue cases when federal prosecutors cannot, making sure military families and their children receive the justice they deserve. I am committed to working with Congressman Carter in a bipartisan manner to ensure that we can protect our nation’s heroes and their families.”

“I’m proud to cosponsor the MINOR Act that will aid military families who have nowhere else to turn when they’re faced with juvenile-on-juvenile crime on our bases,” said Representative Williams. “I remain committed to working on behalf of our Fort Hood families in the U.S. Congress.”

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