I
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1695
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 24, 2013
Mr. Scott of Virginia (for himself, Mr. Massie, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Bass, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Richmond, and Mr. Johnson of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent unjust and irrational criminal punishments.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013
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Authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum
Section 3553 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Authority To impose a sentence below a statutory minimum To prevent an unjust sentence
General rule
Notwithstanding any provision of law other than this subsection, the court may impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if the court finds that it is necessary to do so in order to avoid violating the requirements of subsection (a).
Court to give parties notice
Before imposing a sentence under paragraph (1), the court shall give the parties reasonable notice of the court’s intent to do so and an opportunity to respond.
Statement in writing of factors
The court shall state, in the written statement of reasons, the factors under subsection (a) that require imposition of a sentence below the statutory minimum.
Appeal rights not limited
This subsection does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist in its absence.
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