Press Release

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement on introduction of bill to end crack-powder disparity

JEFFERSON CITY – FAMM’s Deputy Director of Policy Maria Goellner issued the following statement following the introduction of a bill which would eliminate Missouri’s 18.75 to one disparity for crack and cocaine powder.

Under the current law, someone who sells an ounce of crack (about the weight of two empty soda cans), receives the same penalties as someone who sells more than a pound of cocaine powder (18.75 ounces).

“Crack and cocaine are two forms of the same drug, and the drastic difference in penalties is a miscarriage of justice,” Goellner said. “Removing this disparity will make Missouri’s criminal justice system more fair and contribute to making Missourians more safe. It’s time to remove this disparity once and for all.”

Only eight states, including Missouri, treat crack and cocaine as different drugs during sentencing. Learn more about the disparity in Missourri here.

For more than three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM has led the fight to reform extreme mandatory sentencing laws and to promote rehabilitation and dignity for all people in prison, 94 percent of whom will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.