JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House has voted to abolish the state's Sentencing Advisory Commission.
The House passed legislation Thursday by a vote of 100-57 to repeal the law governing the commission.
The 11-member commission issues recommendations about sentences for felony crimes. The recommendations are based on the severity of each crime, offenders' criminal records and alternative programs available in the state.
Sponsoring Rep. Stanley Cox, a Sedalia Republican, says the sentencing commission gives bad information to judges. He says that information has allowed violent offenders to get lighter sentences than they should.
Critics of the repeal say the commission's recommendations have largely helped reduce the state's recidivism rate.
The legislation now goes to the Senate.
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Sentencing bill is HB257
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov