WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the bipartisan United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to publish two sets of proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025 (watch the meeting). Today’s proposals, along with those issued last month, stem from public input the Commission has received in recent years, including more than 1,200 pages of comments received earlier this amendment cycle. Today’s proposals further respond to roundtables the Commission held last year on supervised release and drug sentencing.
The first set of proposals issued today update the Guidelines Manual’s provisions regarding supervised release. These updates aim to give courts the flexibility to impose supervision based on an individualized assessment of the relevant statutory factors, encourage early termination where warranted, and promote the appropriate use of revocation. “We want to help federal courts use supervised release to effectively protect public safety, reduce recidivism, and facilitate rehabilitation,” said Judge Carlton W. Reeves, Chair of the Commission.
Today’s second set of proposals update certain provisions of the Guidelines Manual related to drug trafficking. These updates aim to help address the dangers of fentanyl and machineguns, ensure drug trafficking sentences reflect the defendant’s culpability, and reduce unwarranted disparities related to purity in methamphetamine cases. “As with the proposals issued last month,” said Judge Reeves, “we look forward to hearing from the public about today’s proposals in light of the Commission’s statutory obligation to promote fairness in sentencing, end unwarranted disparities, and ensure sentences reflect the latest data, research, and science.”
The Commission is seeking comment on these proposals through March 3, 2025 with a reply period closing on March 18, 2025. A public hearing will be scheduled on these proposals in early 2025. Official text of proposed amendments and issues for comment will also be published in a forthcoming edition of the Federal Register and will be placed on the Commission’s website. The public is encouraged to submit comments through the agency’s comment portal. “We welcome your comments,” said Chair Reeves.
The Commission includes U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves (Chair), U.S. Circuit Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo (Vice Chair), Laura E. Mate (Vice Chair), Claire Murray (Vice Chair), and Candice C. Wong (Commissioner), with Scott A.C. Meisler (ex officio, U.S. Department of Justice) and Patricia K. Cushwa (ex officio, U.S. Parole Commission) serving as non-voting members.
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This is related to the USSC mentioned above and is an interesting judicial quandary which needs to be addressed by many. How many PFRs have been impacted by this process sanctioned by the high court? The USSC needs support in their effort to have the courts do what is right judicially.
Not Guilty but Punished Anyway (Reason.com May 2025 Issue)“Sentencing defendants based on acquitted conduct violates basic notions of justice.”
The comment period is over for this cycle, but it is still something needed to be watched along with Congress being made aware of it so they can address it. Have to wonder at the state level if this is condone behavior that needs to be challenged as well.