U.S. House Committee Passes Cocaine Sentencing Equalization Bill

A bill that would eliminate mandatory five-year federal sentences for minor crack-cocaine possession and remove other sentencing distinctions between the rock and powdered form of the drug has been approved by the House Judiciary Committee, the Hampton Roads Pilot reported July 30.

Sponsored by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act (HR-3245) bumps the five-year mandatory sentence to possession of a minimum of 500 grams of crack or powdered cocaine; previously, the penalty applied to possession of as little as 5 grams of crack.

The measure was approved in committee by a 16-9 margin and now moves to the full House for a vote.