Legislators move to block landmark drug overhaul

A state lawmaker wants to stop what could become Minnesota’s most significant sentencing reform for drug offenders in decades, saying dangerous dealers should remain behind bars in an era of rising narcotics abuse.

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission — an independent state board that sets recommendations for judges — voted last December in favor to drastically change how long some drug users and sellers spend in prison. The plan would also lower the state’s prison population by a projected 523 beds, helping to alleviate overcrowding, according to the commission.

The new guidelines will go into action Aug. 1 — but not if Rep. Tony Cornish can help it.

http://www.startribune.com/legislators-move-to-block-landmark-drug-overhaul/369746641/