Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act
Summary
The "Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act" (S. 2250) aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code, specifically targeting the sentencing of armed career criminals. The bill seeks to modify Section 924, focusing on individuals with three or more previous serious felony convictions who violate Section 922(g). It mandates a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years imprisonment for such offenders, with no possibility of suspended sentence or probation.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the severity of sentencing for repeat offenders of certain firearms violations. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence committed by repeat offenders. It also clarifies the definition of "serious felony conviction" for the purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces gun violence by increasing penalties for repeat offenders.
- Clarifies the definition of "serious felony conviction," providing more consistent application of the law.
- May deter individuals with prior felony convictions from illegally possessing firearms.
- Could lead to safer communities by removing repeat offenders from society for longer periods.
- Reinforces the importance of enforcing existing gun laws.
Potential Disadvantages
- May contribute to prison overcrowding due to longer sentences.
- Could disproportionately affect minority communities, who are statistically more likely to be arrested for certain felonies.
- Increases the financial burden on taxpayers to support longer prison sentences.
- May not address the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty and mental health issues.
- Could lead to excessively harsh sentences in some cases, particularly if the prior felonies were non-violent.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which has been used to justify federal gun laws, the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. The bill's focus on repeat offenders may be seen as a reasonable restriction on that right, as it targets individuals who have demonstrated a propensity for violence. However, challenges could arise if the definition of "serious felony conviction" is deemed overly broad or if the mandatory minimum sentences are considered cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).