H.R. 265

The Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2009

Introduced on January 7 by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), H.R. 265, the Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2007, would eliminate the 100-1 drug quantity ratio sentencing structure between crack and powder cocaine. The bill would eliminate sentencing differences between crack and powder cocaine in favor of a single mandatory minimum at the current powder cocaine levels and eliminate the five-year mandatory minimum for simple possession of crack cocaine. The bill would also authorize drug treatment and enforcement funds and increase fines for kingpins. H.R. 265 directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review the sentencing guidelines and if appropriate, amend them to account for culpability and role in the offense.  The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  FAMM supports this legislation.