[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 19, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33798-33799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11804]


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UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION


Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts

AGENCY: United States Sentencing Commission.

ACTION: Request for public comment on the membership of a standing 
victims advisory group; requests to be considered for initial 
membership; and proposed amendment to the Sentencing Commission's Rules 
of Practice and Procedure.

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SUMMARY: After considering the request of the Judicial Conference of 
the United States regarding the formation of a victims advisory group, 
the United States Sentencing Commission has decided to establish a 
standing victims advisory group pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 995 and Rule 5.4 
of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. The purpose of the 
advisory group is (1) to assist the Commission in carrying out its 
statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. 994(o); (2) to provide the 
Commission its views on the Commission's activities as they relate to 
victims of crime; (3) to disseminate information regarding sentencing 
issues to organizations represented by the advisory group and to other 
victims of crime and victims advocacy groups, as appropriate; and (4) 
to perform any other functions related to victims of crime as the 
Commission requests. The Commission anticipates that the victims 
advisory group will consist of not more than 9 members, each of whom 
may serve not more than two consecutive 3-year terms. The Commission 
also anticipates establishing a charter for the victims advisory group 
to govern the group's activities.
    The Commission hereby requests comment on the potential membership 
of the victims advisory group. The Commission also invites any person 
or group who has knowledge, expertise, or experience in the area of 
federal crime victimization to apply to become a member of the advisory 
group. Requests to be considered for the initial membership of the 
victims advisory group must be received by the Commission not later 
than July 30, 2007. Applications may be sent to Michael Courlander at 
the address listed below.
    The Commission also hereby gives notice of a proposed amendment to 
its Rules of Practice and Procedure, at Rule 5.4, to include the 
victims advisory group as a standing advisory group of the Commission.

DATES: Public comment should be received not later than July 30, 2007.

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

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 995(a)(1) of title 28, United States 
Code, authorizes the Commission to establish general policies and 
promulgate rules and regulations as necessary for the Commission to 
carry out the purposes of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. The 
Commission originally adopted the Rules of Practice and Procedure in 
July 1997 and most recently amended the Rules in November 2001. A new 
amendment is now proposed. In accordance with Rule 1.2 of its Rules of 
Practice and Procedure, the Commission hereby invites the public to 
provide comment on the proposed amendment. In response to a request 
from the Judicial Conference of the United States, the Commission has 
decided to establish a standing advisory group related to the impact of 
the federal sentencing guidelines on victims. The Commission requests 
comment on the potential membership of such advisory group and invites 
any person or group who has knowledge, expertise, or experience in the 
area of federal crime victimization to request consideration for 
initial membership to the advisory group.


[[Page 33799]]


    Authority: 28 U.S.C. 994(a), (o), (p); USSC Rules of Practice 
and Procedure 1.2, 5.2.

Ricardo H. Hinojosa,
Chair.

1. Amendment:

    Rule 5.4 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the United 
States Sentencing Commission is amended by striking ``and the 
Probation Officers Advisory Group'' and inserting ``, the Probation 
Officers Advisory Group, and the Victims Advisory Group''.
 [FR Doc. E7-11804 Filed 6-18-07; 8:45 am]
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