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Committee debates mandatory minimums, approves draft to remove domestic-violence lookback periods
Summary
Members debated removing mandatory minimums for some crimes and approved a bill-draft request to strike domestic-violence lookback periods in specified statutes; prosecutors strongly opposed removing tools they use to secure plea certainty for victims.
The committee heard competing viewpoints on mandatory minimums and lookback periods. Some working-group members and the state public defender argued that removing or limiting mandatory minimums for lower-level offenses would restore judicial discretion and allow sentences tailored to individuals. Patty Bennett, state public defender, said the groups sought "consistency" and greater ability for judges and prosecutors to craft case-appropriate outcomes.
Prosecutors warned of risks. Natrona County DA Dan Itson said removing mandatory minimums could take important prosecutorial tools out of the system and undermine victim certainty, and he urged retaining mandatory minimums for the most serious offenses. The committee nonetheless approved a bill draft to strike domestic-violence lookback periods in specified statutes to strengthen protections for repeat victims.
