We post news and comment on federal criminal justice issues, focused primarily on trial and post-conviction matters, legislative initiatives, and sentencing issues.

SCHUMER PUSHES FOR MARIJUANA CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), the man who controls what gets voted on in the Senate, again argued last week in a Senate speech that it is critical to add criminal justice reform provisions to a bipartisan marijuana banking bill.

Schumer noted the reintroduction of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (S.1323), legislation that would “enable cannabis businesses to access critical banking infrastructure.”

“Just last week, the [Senate Banking Committee] held its first hearing on this legislation,” he said, “And I will also work to make sure we include critical criminal justice provisions to SAFE Banking.”

Schumer intends to schedule a committee vote in the near future to discuss proposed additions.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who is a lead sponsor of the House version of the SAFE Banking Act (H.R. 2891) and chair of the Senate Cannabis Caucus, said at a recent press briefing that advocates and lawmakers should “align” on any incremental proposals to end the drug war.

Marijuana Moment, Schumer Again Pushes For ‘Critical’ Criminal Justice Amendments To Marijuana Banking Bill (May 19, 2023)

The Crime Report, Senate Majority Leader Schumer Stresses Need for Criminal Justice Provisions in Marijuana Banking Bill (May 19, 2023)

– Thomas L. Root