S. 399 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 399 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7, 2019Mr. Paul (for himself and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent unjust and irrational criminal punishments. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2019. 2. Authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum Section 3553 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: (g) Authority To impose a sentence below a statutory minimum To prevent an unjust sentence (1) 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). (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) Appeal rights not limited This subsection does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist in its absence. .