[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 3, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35313-35314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16714]


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UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION


Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts

AGENCY: United States Sentencing Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities; request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: As part of its statutory authority and responsibility to 
analyze sentencing issues, including operation of the federal 
sentencing guidelines, and in accordance with Rule 5.2 of its Rules of 
Practice and Procedure, the Commission has identified certain tentative 
priorities that may be the focus of its policy development work during 
the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2002. The Commission envisions that 
much of this policy work may continue into the amendment cycle ending 
May 1, 2003. The Commission is seeking comment on these tentative 
priority issues.

DATES: Public comment should be received on or before August 3, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to: United States Sentencing Commission, One 
Columbus Circle, NE., Suite 2-500, South Lobby, Washington, DC 20002-
8002, Attention: Public Affairs-Priorities Comment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Courlander, Public Affairs 
Officer, Telephone: (202) 502-4590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Sentencing Commission is 
an independent agency in the judicial branch of the United States 
Government. The Commission promulgates sentencing guidelines and policy 
statements for federal sentencing courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(a). 
The Commission also periodically reviews and revises previously 
promulgated guidelines pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(o) and submits 
guideline amendments to the Congress not later than the first day of 
May each year pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(p).
    For the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2002, and possibly continuing 
into the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2003, the Commission has 
identified the following tentative priorities:
    (1) In anticipation of the 15-year anniversary of the federal 
sentencing guidelines, the Commission has decided to undertake a 15-
Year Study composed of a number of projects geared toward analyzing the 
guidelines in light of the goals of sentencing reform described in the 
Sentencing Reform Act and the statutory purposes of sentencing set 
forth in 18 U.S.C. 3553(a)(2).

[[Page 35314]]

    (2) Possibly in conjunction with the 15-Year Study identified in 
paragraph (1), the Commission may begin an assessment of, and possibly 
consider guideline amendment proposals for, the following guideline 
areas: (A) Chapter Two, Part D (Offenses Involving Drugs); (B) Chapter 
Four (Criminal History); and (C) miscellaneous and discreet issues such 
as offenses involving damage to cultural heritage resources. As part of 
this work, the Commission may address any conflicts among the circuits 
related to the operation of the guidelines in these areas.
    The Commission invites comment on these tentative priorities and on 
any other issues that interested persons believe the Commission should 
address during the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2002, including short- 
and long-term research issues. To the extent practicable, comments 
submitted on such issues should include the following: (1) A statement 
of the issue, including the scope and manner of study, particular 
problem areas and possible solutions, and any other matters relevant to 
a proposed priority; (2) citations to applicable sentencing guidelines, 
statutes, case law, and constitutional provisions; and (3) a direct and 
concise statement of why the Commission should make the issue a 
priority.

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. 994(a), (o); USSC Rules of Practice and 
Procedure 5.2.

Diana E. Murphy,
Chair.
[FR Doc. 01-16714 Filed 7-2-01; 8:45 am]
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