Bill · H.R. 6471· House(119-HR-6471)
Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 12/4/2025
- Last activity
- 12/4/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Joseph Morelle
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act of 2025'' aims to change how courts handle people who have been victims of abuse and have then committed crimes. It allows a court to give a sentence that is even lower than the legal minimum required by statute. This can include sentences like probation or community confinement instead of prison. This applies to people who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or trafficking. The law also applies to past federal cases through a specific motion process. Finally, it directs the United States Sentencing Commission to update its guidelines to include these factors.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would women be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically addresses issues like domestic violence and sexual assault which the findings note heavily impact incarcerated women.
Individual Rights And Freedoms+5
The bill provides a legal mechanism for those who have experienced trauma to seek sentencing relief through affidavits and alternative sentencing.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Reduced incarceration and more alternative sentencing options can help mitigate the collateral consequences of a criminal record on low-income households.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Sentence Reductions for Survivors: The bill allows a court to impose a sentence below the minimum statutory sentence for a "victim offender" (Section 3(a)). This provides relief to those who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or severe forms of trafficking.
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Alternative Sentencing Options: Courts are given the authority to use probation or community confinement instead of traditional prison time (Section 3(b)).
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Broad Eligibility for Trauma: Relief can be granted even if the abuse did not cause physical injury, was not long-term, or was not experienced at the same time as the offense (Section 3(c)).
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Expanded Evidence Options: A person's eligibility is not based on their ability to provide evidence to the court, and they can use an affidavit to prove they experienced abuse or neglect (Section 3(d)).
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Relief for Past Convictions: Individuals who were already convicted or sentenced for a Federal offense before this law was passed can request a new sentence through a motion (Section 3(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Eligibility: To qualify as a "victim offender," an individual must not have been convicted of a sex offense (Section 3(g)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For Low Income Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Individual Rights And Freedoms+5
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- 12/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan