Federal sentencing practices face a comprehensive review after the U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously voted to prioritize evaluation of the guidelines and federal sentencing system. The agency said it will hold regional public meetings to gather feedback as part of the evaluation.
As another priority, the Commission voted to evaluate its internal policymaking procedures and to publish for public comment proposed changes to its Rules of Practice and Procedure designed to make the agency's work more effective, open, and participatory.
The Commission also voted to implement a directive within the SAFER SKIES Act, which provides for enhanced penalties for certain offenses involving unmanned aircraft. These new sentencing guideline provisions will become effective on March 15, 2027, absent congressional action to the contrary.