Missouri
FAMM releases statement on passage of bill to eliminate crack disparity in Missouri
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Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM releases statement on passage of bill to eliminate crack disparity in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY – FAMM’s Deputy Director of Policy Maria Goellner released the following statement after both Missouri’s House and Senate voted to eliminate the state’s crack-powder sentencing disparity as part of an omnibus criminal justice bill. The bill is a bipartisan effort in both chambers.
“Missouri was home to one of the worst crack-powder sentencing disparities in the nation, and today is an enormous step toward righting that historical wrong,” Goellner said. “Crack and powder cocaine are the same drug in different forms – treating them differently under the law has no basis in science and doesn’t improve public safety. We encourage Governor Parson to sign this bill and make this great step a reality.”
If Governor Parson signs Missouri’s reform, there would be only seven remaining states in the country that continue to sentence people differently based on whether the offense involves crack or powder cocaine.
For nearly 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’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
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.