PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 13, 2019
Smarter Sentencing Act of 2019
This bill modifies mandatory minimum prison terms for defendants who commit certain drug-related offenses.
First, the bill reduces the mandatory minimum prison term for defendants who manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Specifically, it reduces mandatory minimums
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
from 10 years to 5 years for a first-time high-level offense (e.g., one kilogram or more of heroin),
from 15 years to 10 years for a high-level offense after one prior felony drug offense,
from 5 years to 2 years for a first-time low-level offense (e.g., 100 to 999 grams of heroin), and
from 10 years to 5 years for a low-level offense after one prior felony drug offense.
Additionally, the bill modifies the application of mandatory minimum prison terms for certain defendants who import or export a controlled substance. Specifically, it
makes existing mandatory minimums inapplicable to a defendant who functions as a courier; and
establishes new, shorter mandatory minimum prison terms for a courier.
The Department of Justice must report on and publish all federal criminal statutory offenses. Specified federal agencies, departments, and entities must report on and publish criminal regulatory offenses that they enforce.
People & committees
Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] · R–UT
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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