This bill amends the mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of murder to accommodate the substantial reduction in earned good time and meritorious good time effective October 1, 1995. The 1995 amendment required that the parties and the sentencing courts adjust their sentencing recommendations and practices to accommodate the increase in the actual period of incarceration resulting from the significant decrease in good time. In the case of 25-year minimum sentences, such an adjustment is not possible. This bill partially addresses this inequity by reducing the minimum mandatory sentence to 20 years.

Secondly, this bill provides a "safety valve" for sentencing courts in cases where a mandatory minimum sentence would result in substantial injustice and a frustration of the general purposes of sentencing as outlined in the Maine Criminal Code. It allows the court to take into consideration documented evidence of severe hardship to the offender as well as the wishes of the victim.

Finally, this bill removes mandatory minimum sentences for the crime of aggravated trafficking or furnishing scheduled drugs.