Executive Order 14294

Fighting Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations

Signed 2025-05-09 in effect
Criminal JusticeDeregulationGovernment ReformSeparation of powers ↗
Government ReformLaw & Justice Deregulation

Directs a review of all federal regulations that carry criminal penalties and orders the elimination of criminal penalties for regulatory violations that do not involve willful or knowing conduct.

Section by Section

What each section does, and how they differ.

Sec. 1 Purpose

Directs agencies to reduce overcriminalization in federal regulations by establishing default mens rea standards.

Sec. 2 Policy

Agencies to examine criminal regulatory offenses and consider default intent requirements.

Sec. 3 Definitional Standards

Agencies to clarify meaning of knowledge, willfulness, and negligence in criminal regulatory context.

Sec. 4 Agency Reports

Agencies to submit reports examining criminal offenses and penalties within 365 days (one year).

Sec. 5 Prosecutorial Standards

Guidance on proportionality and enforcement factors for criminal regulatory referrals.

Sec. 6 Default Mens Rea for Criminal Regulatory Offenses

Agency heads to determine authority for background mens rea standard; submit plans for changing standards and deviations.

Sec. 7 Agency Referrals for Potential Criminal Enforcement

Agencies to publish guidance within 45 days on criminal referral criteria including harm, defendant gain, expertise, and awareness.

Sec. 8 Effect on Immigration Enforcement and National Security Functions

Order does not apply to immigration law enforcement or national security regulation enforcement.