Sentencing Guidelines Commission adopts multiple guideline amendments and director-proposed language for fentanyl and jail-assault provisions

The Sentencing Guidelines Commission voted on July 24 to finalize a package of amendments to the state sentencing guidelines and to adopt alternative language proposed in written public comment on two specific items: new child-exposure-to-fentanyl language and a consecutive-sentencing rule for assaults on jail staff.

Nate Wright, the commission's lead staff director, told members the public hearing for the proposed changes had been published in the State Register (Volume 49, Number 51) on June 16, 2025; the hearing was held July 17, and the written comment period closed July 23. Wright said the commission received one oral testimony (an MSGC staff member) and one written comment, and that the hearing record was posted on the commission website. "The commission appears to have substantially complied with all public notice and hearing requirements to permit it to take final action on the proposed modifications today," Wright said.

Why it matters: The amendments will change how certain offenses are listed or scored under the state guidelines and will affect when new guideline language becomes effective. Staff told the commission the changes approved at the meeting will generally take effect August 1, 2025, with one specified…