UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION
Rules of Practice and Procedure
AGENCY: United States Sentencing Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for public comment.
SUMMARY: The United States Sentencing Commission is considering promulgating amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure. This notice sets forth the proposed amendment to the Commission’s Rules and synopsis of the issues addressed by the proposed amendment. This notice also sets forth several issues for comment together with the proposed amendment.
DATES: Written public comment regarding the proposed amendment and issues for comment set forth in this notice should be received by the Commission not later than October 26, 2026. Public comment regarding the proposed amendment received after the close of the comment period may not be considered.
ADDRESSES: There are two methods for submitting public comment.
Electronic Submission of Comments. Comments may be submitted electronically via the Commission’s Public Comment Submission Portal at https://comment.ussc.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by mail to the following address: United States Sentencing Commission, One Columbus Circle, N.E., Suite 2-500, Washington, D.C. 20002-8002, Attention: Public Affairs – Rules of Practice and Procedure.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Dukes, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, (202) 502-4597.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch of the United States Government. The Commission promulgates sentencing guidelines and policy statements for federal courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 994(a). The Commission also periodically reviews and revises previously promulgated guidelines pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 994(o) and submits guideline amendments to the Congress not later than the first day of May each year pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 994(p).
Section 995(a)(1) of title 28, United States Code, authorizes the Commission to establish general policies and promulgate rules and regulations as necessary for the Commission to carry out the purposes of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. The Commission originally adopted the Rules of Practice and Procedure in July 1997 and amended the Rules in 2001, 2007, and 2016. The Commission is considering promulgating amendments to these rules. In accordance with Rule 1.2 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Commission hereby invites the public to provide comment on the proposed amendment set forth in this notice.
Bracketed text within the proposed amendment indicates a heightened interest on the Commission’s part in comment and suggestions on whether the proposed provision is appropriate. Additionally, the Commission has highlighted certain issues for comment and invites suggestions on how the Commission should respond to those issues.
The text of the proposed amendment and related issues for comment are set forth below. Additional information pertaining to the proposed amendment and issues for comment described in this notice may be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.ussc.gov.
AUTHORITY: 28 U.S.C. § 995(a)(1); USSC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Rule 1.2.
Carlton W. Reeves,
Chair.