By a vote of 113-2, the Florida House passed a bill today aimed at reducing the number of people subjected to mandatory minimums for prescription drug offenses. The House vote follows the Florida Senate’s passage of SB 360 in late March. “This common sense bill is a step forward in addressing the demand side of … Read More
Read MoreFAMM applauds Sentencing Commission for modifying federal drug sentence guidelines CONTACT: Mike Riggsmriggs@famm.org202-822-6706 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The seven-member U.S. Sentencing Commission voted unanimously today to amend federal drug sentencing guidelines. The change will reduce federal drug sentences by an average of 11 months. “We commend the Sentencing Commission for taking this important step toward reforming … Read More
Read MoreTALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Today, the Florida Senate joined the House in passing the The Threatened Use of Force Act, a bill that provides a legal defense for Floridians who threaten to use force—such as warning shots—in situations where deadly force is already protected by law. “The Senate should be commended for addressing this glaring omission … Read More
Read MoreContact: Greg Newburn, Florida director for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, gnewburn@famm.org The Threatened Use of Force Act passed the Florida House early Thursday evening. HB 89 provides legal protection for persons who threaten to use force—such as by firing warning shots—in situations in which deadly force is already protected by Florida law. “HB 89 addresses a glaring hole in … Read More
Read MoreContact: 202-822-6700 Families Against Mandatory Minimums is excited to welcome Mike Riggs as the foundation’s new director of communications. Mike joins FAMM from The Atlantic Cities, where he was a staff writer covering criminal justice policy. “We’re thrilled to add Mike to our team,” said FAMM President Julie Stewart. “He’s passionate about our work and … Read More
Read MoreContact: 202-822-6700 This morning, FAMM president, Julie Stewart, will testify at the U.S. Sentencing Commission in support of the Commission’s proposal to lower federal drug sentences by an average of 11 months. Stewart points out that: FAMM strongly supports this amendment but it is a modest correction, not a major change in policy – people … Read More
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: 202-822-6700 Today, FAMM applauds the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage of the Recidivism Reduction and Public Safety Act (S. 1675). The bipartisan bill, a compromise negotiated by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and John Cornyn (R-TX), is anticipated to help alleviate overcrowding in federal prisons – now at 138 percent of their … Read More
Read MoreWashington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee passed the first major reconsideration of federal mandatory minimum drug sentencing laws since the Nixon Administration. The Committee voted, 13-5, in support of S. 1410, the Smarter Sentencing Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Richard Durbin (D-IL). The Smarter Sentencing Act: … Read More
Read MoreWashington, DC – Today, U.S. Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General James Cole, in prepared remarks to the New York State Bar Association, asked lawyers and prison officials to assist federal prisoners serving lengthy sentences for low-level, nonviolent drug offenses with requesting commutations (sentence reductions) from President Barack Obama. In particular, Cole emphasized the administration’s … Read More
Read MoreIt’s unanimous: U.S. Supreme Court overturns federal conviction and the 20-year mandatory minimum that went with it. Federal law calls for harsh mandatory minimum sentences for distributing drugs. These five- and ten-year sentences are imposed when a person is convicted of selling specific drug quantities. In some case, federal law requires courts to dramatically enhance … Read More
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