Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 2850
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Smarter Sentencing Act of 2019
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Nov 13, 2019
Overview
Text
Sponsor
Introduced
Nov 13, 2019
Latest Action
Nov 13, 2019
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
2850
Congress
116
Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Crime and Law Enforcement
Primary focus of measure is criminal offenses, investigation and prosecution, procedure and sentencing; corrections and imprisonment; juvenile crime; law enforcement administration. Measures concerning terrorism may fall under Emergency Management or International Affairs policy areas.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
Utah
Democrat
California
Democrat
Illinois
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
New Jersey
Democrat
Oregon
Democrat
Rhode Island
Democrat
Virginia
Democrat
Wisconsin
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Smarter Sentencing Act of 2019

This bill modifies mandatory minimum prison terms for defendants who commit certain drug-related offenses.

First, the bill reduces the mandatory minimum prison term for defendants who manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Specifically, it reduces mandatory minimums

  • from 10 years to 5 years for a first-time high-level offense (e.g., one kilogram or more of heroin),
  • from 15 years to 10 years for a high-level offense after one prior felony drug offense,
  • from 5 years to 2 years for a first-time low-level offense (e.g., 100 to 999 grams of heroin), and
  • from 10 years to 5 years for a low-level offense after one prior felony drug offense.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application of mandatory minimum prison terms for certain defendants who import or export a controlled substance. Specifically, it

  • makes existing mandatory minimums inapplicable to a defendant who functions as a courier; and
  • establishes new, shorter mandatory minimum prison terms for a courier.

The Department of Justice must report on and publish all federal criminal statutory offenses. Specified federal agencies, departments, and entities must report on and publish criminal regulatory offenses that they enforce.

Text (1)
November 13, 2019
Actions (2)
11/13/2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
11/13/2019
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Nov 1, 2022 5:17:27 AM