Next Step Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Mar 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The Next Step Act of 2019, introduced in the Senate, proposes several changes to federal law concerning sentencing, prison conditions, prisoner reentry, and law enforcement training. Specifically, it would eliminate mandatory minimum penalties for crack cocaine offenses and decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the list of controlled substances and expunging past convictions for possession or use. The bill also seeks to reduce mandatory minimum prison terms for certain drug offenses.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve prison conditions by requiring free videoconferencing for prisoners and assisting them with obtaining identification before release. For individuals re-entering society, it aims to ease their transition by prohibiting federal agencies from asking about criminal history before a conditional job offer and restricting the use of criminal records to disqualify individuals from employment or licensing. It would also create a process to seal federal criminal records for certain nonviolent offenses and restore voting rights for those convicted of federal crimes.
The bill also introduces reforms for law enforcement by requiring states and tribes receiving certain funding to report on use-of-force incidents and prohibiting racial profiling. This bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2019 and has since been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has been taken on it as of the provided information.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Next Step Act of 2019
This bill revises sentencing guidelines, addresses prison conditions and prisoner reentry, and addresses law enforcement training.
First, it eliminates increased and mandatory minimum penalties for drug offenses involving mixtures or substances which contain cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine).
It decriminalizes marijuana by (1) removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances; (2) eliminating criminal penalties for an individual who imports, exports, manufactures, distributes, or possesses with intent to distribute marijuana; and (3) expunging convictions for marijuana use or possession.
It reduces the mandatory minimum prison term for defendants who manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Additionally, the bill
• requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide videoconferencing free of charge to prisoners;
• prohibits federal agencies from requesting that applicants disclose their criminal history before receiving a conditional offer of employment;
Timeline
7 Mar 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 697 do?
- The Next Step Act of 2019, introduced in the Senate, proposes several changes to federal law concerning sentencing, prison conditions, prisoner reentry, and law enforcement training. Specifically, it would eliminate mandatory minimum penalties for crack cocaine offenses and decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the list of controlled substances and expunging past convictions for possession or use. The bill also seeks to reduce mandatory minimum prison terms for certain drug offenses. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve prison conditions by requiring free videoconferencing for prisoners and assisting them with obtaining identification before release. For individuals re-entering society, it aims to ease their transition by prohibiting federal agencies from asking about criminal history before a conditional job offer and restricting the use of criminal records to disqualify individuals from employment or licensing. It would also create a process to seal federal criminal records for certain nonviolent offenses and restore voting rights for those convicted of federal crimes. The bill also introduces reforms for law enforcement by requiring states and tribes receiving certain funding to report on use-of-force incidents and prohibiting racial profiling. This bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2019 and has since been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has been taken on it as of the provided information.
- Has S. 697 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 697. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 697?
- S. 697 was sponsored by Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] (D-NJ), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 697?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (7 Mar 2019).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
More bills from Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NAMES Act
NO SELF Act
SOAR Act
MILLER Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.