Mandatory Minimum Sentence
Several bills have been filed in both the Senate and House dealing with sex crimes, pornography, elimination of diminution credits (for good behavior etc.) for persons convicted of such crimes and the strengthening of offender registration procedures. Two of these bills also provide for mandatory minimum sentences. LWVMD does not have positions relating to criminal laws in such matters but it is on record against mandatory minimum sentences, in the belief that sentencing discretion should be left to judges or juries.
HB 34 (Minnick) Violent Crimes and Sexual Offenses – Diminution Credits and Mandatory Minimum Sentencing would disallow diminution credits and provide for a mandatory minimum sentence. It was heard by the Judiciary Committee January 16. No action to date.
SB 75 (Stone et al.) Criminal Law – Possession of Child Pornography – Enhanced Penalties would make the possession of child pornography a felony and create a mandatory minimum penalty for possession. Assigned to the Judicial Proceedings Committee, no hearing date has been set.