Representative Maxine Walters

Federal Bill Introduced to Eliminate Mandatory Minimum Sentences for all Drug Offenses

Legislation to end mandatory minimum sentences for all drug offenses has been filed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation – H.R. 3800 – was introduced by Representative Maxine Walters, a Democrat from California’s 43rd legislative district. It would end the practice of applying mandatory minimum sentences to offenses involving illegal substances. Mandatory minimum sentences require judges to give offenders a specific – and typically harsh – sentence regardless of extenuating circumstances.

Mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes was greatly scaled back under President Obama’s terms as president. However, current President Trump and his Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently reversed much of the changes made by the Obama Administration regarding mandatory minimums, making Representative Walters’ proposal incredibly important and relevant to the times.

Read moreFederal Bill Introduced to Eliminate Mandatory Minimum Sentences for all Drug Offenses

Federal Bill Introduced to End Mandatory Minimums for Drug Offenses

gavelU.S. Representative Maxine Walters, from California’s 43rd District, has introduced legislation (H.R. 3489) in the House of Representatives that would finally put an end to unjust mandatory minimum penalties in place for drug offenses.

The proposal, which has sevens cosponsors, would “eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for all drug offenses.” It’s been assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee.

Read moreFederal Bill Introduced to End Mandatory Minimums for Drug Offenses