US Sentencing Commission adopt priorities for the 2025-26 guideline amendment cycle

As reported in this press release, earlier today “the U.S. Sentencing Commission has unanimously voted to adopt priorities for the 2025-2026 guideline amendment cycle.” Here is more:

In reflection of the comments and ideas it has received, the Commission voted unanimously to prioritize:

• Providing courts with additional guidance on selecting the appropriate sentencing option (e.g., imprisonment, probation, or fine).
• Further examination of the penalty structure for certain drug trafficking offenses, including those involving methamphetamine and fentanyl.
• Examination of whether the fraud guidelines appropriately reflect the culpability of a defendant and harm to victims.
• Continued exploration of ways to simplify the Guidelines.
• Examination of whether the Guidelines provide appropriate adjustments for good behavior.
• Examination of offenses involving sophisticated means.
• Examination of the human smuggling guideline to ensure it appropriately accounts for a range of factors.

In addition, the Commission will continue to prioritize implementing new laws, resolving circuit conflicts, and assessing the degree to which the Bureau of Prisons is effectively meeting the purposes of sentencing.

The official federal register notive for the 2025-26 amendment cycle is available at this link.