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Committee debates SB517 on retroactive relief for life sentences in nonviolent drug cases, pulls bill for revision
Summary
Senate Bill 517, which would remove life sentences for certain nonviolent drug convictions and apply relief retroactively for a narrowly defined list, drew hours of testimony from prosecutors, judges, advocates and family members; prosecutors warned retroactivity is complex and the sponsor agreed to pull the bill to craft narrower language and gather additional information.
Senate Bill 517 prompted an extended Judiciary Committee hearing and extensive public testimony before the sponsor said he would pull the measure for more work.
Senator Bond presented SB517 as a limited measure to eliminate life sentences for nonviolent drug offenses going forward and to provide retroactive relief for a small group of people identified in committee materials (sponsor referenced approximately 17 individuals). He said the bill would preserve accountability—making the maximum punishment for these offenses up to 40 years—but would remove life as a possible sentence for the specified…
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