Sentencing Interim Study Committee (J)

Charge

Review current criminal penalties and sentencing practices, including but not limited to the effects of mandatory minimums, indeterminate sentencing, sentence structure and equity, length of sentences, judicial discretion, and parole board discretion, to correct disparities in the criminal code, and determine the effects of sentencing practices on inmate populations at Iowa prisons and community-based corrections facilities. Conduct a comparative assessment of the penalties imposed for various crimes based upon the threat posed by the crime itself and also upon the risk generally associated with the criminal offender and determine whether Iowa's sentencing practices need to be comprehensively restructured.