State Panel To Consider Reducing Drug Sentences By Half

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A state panel is considering major cuts to prison sentences for many drug offenses, The Associated Press has learned.

Minnesota's Sentencing Guidelines Commission is expected to take up several options Wednesday that would reduce some drug sentences by nearly half. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Dietzen's proposal, provided to AP, would cut possession sentences while leaving stiffer penalties for sales and "kingpin" activity.

Dietzen and other commission members declined to comment ahead of Wednesday's meeting. Dietzen's office confirmed he would put his proposal up for a vote.

The move comes amid a nationwide push to reform drug laws, along with concern that Minnesota's prison population is growing too large.

The commission has authority to set sentencing guidelines unilaterally. Lawmakers would be able veto the changes before they take effect next August.