Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts, 65400-65422 [2018-27505]

Agencies

• United States Sentencing Commission

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 244 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65400-65422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27505]



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Vol. 83

Thursday,

No. 244

December 20, 2018

Part II





United States Sentencing Commission





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Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts; Notices

Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 244 / Thursday, December 20, 2018 / 
Notices

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UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION


Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts

AGENCY: United States Sentencing Commission

ACTION: Notice of proposed amendments to sentencing guidelines, policy 
statements, and commentary. Request for public comment, including 
public comment regarding retroactive application of any of the proposed 
amendments. Notice of public hearing.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 994(a), (o), and (p) of title 28, United 
States Code, the United States Sentencing Commission is considering 
promulgating amendments to the sentencing guidelines, policy 
statements, and commentary. This notice sets forth the proposed 
amendments and, for each proposed amendment, a synopsis of the issues 
addressed by that amendment. This notice also sets forth several issues 
for comment, some of which are set forth together with the proposed 
amendments, and one of which (regarding retroactive application of 
proposed amendments) is set forth in the Supplementary Information 
section of this notice.

DATES: 
    (1) Written Public Comment.--Written public comment regarding the 
proposed amendments and issues for comment set forth in this notice, 
including public comment regarding retroactive application of any of 
the proposed amendments, should be received by the Commission not later 
than February 19, 2019. Written reply comments, which may only respond 
to issues raised during the original comment period, should be received 
by the Commission not later than March 15, 2019. Public comment 
regarding a proposed amendment received after the close of the comment 
period, and reply comment received on issues not raised during the 
original comment period, may not be considered.
    (2) Public Hearing.--The Commission may hold a public hearing 
regarding the proposed amendments and issues for comment set forth in 
this notice. Further information regarding any public hearing that may 
be scheduled, including requirements for testifying and providing 
written testimony, as well as the date, time, location, and scope of 
the hearing, will be provided by the Commission on its website at 
www.ussc.gov.

ADDRESSES: All written comment should be sent to the Commission by 
electronic mail or regular mail. The email address for public comment 
is Public_Comment@ussc.gov. The regular mail address for public comment 
is United States Sentencing Commission, One Columbus Circle NE, Suite 
2-500, Washington, DC 200002-8002, Attention: Public Affairs--Proposed 
Amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Leonard, Director, Office of 
Legislative and Public Affairs, (202) 502-4500, pubaffairs@ussc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Sentencing Commission is 
an independent agency in the judicial branch of the United States 
Government. The Commission promulgates sentencing guidelines and policy 
statements for federal courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(a). The 
Commission also periodically reviews and revises previously promulgated 
guidelines pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(o) and submits guideline 
amendments to the Congress not later than the first day of May each 
year pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(p).
    Publication of a proposed amendment requires the affirmative vote 
of at least three voting members of the Commission and is deemed to be 
a request for public comment on the proposed amendment. See USSC Rules 
of Practice and Procedure 2.2, 4.4. In contrast, the affirmative vote 
of at least four voting members is required to promulgate an amendment 
and submit it to Congress. See id. 2.2; 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(p).
    The proposed amendments in this notice are presented in one of two 
formats. First, some of the amendments are proposed as specific 
revisions to a guideline, policy statement, or commentary. Bracketed 
text within a proposed amendment indicates a heightened interest on the 
Commission's part in comment and suggestions regarding alternative 
policy choices; for example, a proposed enhancement of [2][4][6] levels 
indicates that the Commission is considering, and invites comment on, 
alternative policy choices regarding the appropriate level of 
enhancement. Similarly, bracketed text within a specific offense 
characteristic or application note means that the Commission 
specifically invites comment on whether the proposed provision is 
appropriate. Second, the Commission has highlighted certain issues for 
comment and invites suggestions on how the Commission should respond to 
those issues.
    In summary, the proposed amendments and issues for comment set 
forth in this notice are as follows:
    (1) A two-part proposed amendment to Sec.  1B1.10 (Reduction in 
Term of Imprisonment as a Result of Amended Guideline Range (Policy 
Statement)), including (A) three options for amending the policy 
statement and commentary in light of Koons v. United States, 138 S. Ct. 
1783 (2018); and (B) two options for amending the commentary to resolve 
a circuit conflict concerning the application of Sec.  1B1.10(b)(2)(B), 
and a related issue for comment;
    (2) a multi-part proposed amendment to Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of 
Terms Used in Section 4B1.1), including (A) amendments establishing 
that the categorical approach and modified categorical approach do not 
apply in determining whether a conviction is a ``crime of violence'' or 
a ``controlled substance offense'' by (i) providing that, in making 
that determination, a court shall consider any element or alternative 
means for meeting an element of the offense committed by the defendant, 
as well as the conduct that formed the basis of the offense of 
conviction, (ii) allowing courts to look at a wider range of sources 
from the judicial record, beyond the statute of conviction, in 
determining the conduct that formed the basis of the offense of 
conviction, and (iii) making similar revisions to Sec.  2L1.2 
(Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in the United States), as well as 
conforming changes to the guidelines that use the terms ``crime of 
violence'' and ``controlled substance offense'' and define these terms 
by making specific reference to Sec.  4B1.2, and related issues for 
comment; (B) three options to address the concern that certain robbery 
offenses, such as Hobbs Act robbery, no longer constitute a ``crime of 
violence'' under Sec.  4B1.2, as amended in 2016, because these 
offenses do not meet either the generic definition of ``robbery'' or 
the new guidelines definition of ``extortion,'' and related issues for 
comment; (C) three options to address certain issues regarding the 
commentary provision stating that the terms ``crime of violence'' and 
``controlled substance offense'' include the offenses of aiding and 
abetting, conspiring to commit, and attempting to commit a ``crime of 
violence'' and a ``controlled substance offense,'' and related issues 
for comment; and (D) revisions to the definition of ``controlled 
substance offense'' in Sec.  4B1.2(b) to include: (i) Offenses 
involving an offer to sell a controlled substance, and (ii) offenses 
described in 46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a) and Sec.  70506(b), and a related 
issue for comment;

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    (3) a multi-part proposed amendment addressing recently enacted 
legislation and miscellaneous guideline issues, including (A) 
amendments to Appendix A (Statutory Index) and the Commentary to Sec.  
2N2.1 (Violations of Statutes and Regulations Dealing with Any Food, 
Drug, Biological Product, Device, Cosmetic, Agricultural Product, or 
Consumer Product) in response to the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, 
Public Law 115-52 (Aug. 18, 2017), a technical correction to the 
Commentary to Sec.  2N1.1 (Tampering or Attempting to Tamper Involving 
Risk of Death or Bodily Injury), and a related issue for comment; (B) 
amendments to Appendix A, Sec.  2A5.2 (Interference with Flight Crew 
Member or Flight Attendant; Interference with Dispatch, Navigation, 
Operation, or Maintenance of Mass Transportation Vehicle), as well as 
the commentaries to Sec.  2A2.4 (Obstructing or Impeding Officers) and 
Sec.  2X5.2 (Class A Misdemeanors (Not Covered by Another Specific 
Offense Guideline)), in response to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018, Public Law 115-254 (Oct. 8, 2018), and a related issue for 
comment; (C) amendments to Appendix A, Sec.  2G1.1 (Promoting a 
Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with an Individual 
Other than a Minor), and Sec.  2G1.3 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Transportation of Minors to 
Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to 
Engage in Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; 
Sex Trafficking of Children; Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport 
Information about a Minor), in response to the Allow States and Victims 
to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017, Public Law 115-164 (Apr. 
11, 2018), and related issues for comment; (D) an amendment to 
subsection (d) of Sec.  3D1.2 (Grouping of Closely Related Counts) to 
provide that offenses covered by Sec.  2G1.3 are not grouped under that 
subsection; and (E) an amendment to the Commentary to Sec.  5F1.7 
(Shock Incarceration Program (Policy Statement)) to reflect the fact 
that the Bureau of Prisons no longer operates a shock incarceration 
program; and
    (4) a proposed amendment to make various technical changes to the 
Guidelines Manual, including (A) technical changes to reflect the 
editorial reclassification of certain provisions previously contained 
in the Appendix to Title 50, to new chapters 49 to 57 of Title 50 and 
to other titles of the Code; (B) technical changes throughout the 
Commentary to Sec.  2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, 
Exporting, or Trafficking (Including Possession with Intent to Commit 
These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy), to, among other things, 
reorganize in alphabetical order the controlled substances contained in 
the tables therein to make them more user-friendly; (C) technical 
changes to the commentaries to Sec.  2A4.2 (Demanding or Receiving 
Ransom Money), Sec.  2A6.1 (Threatening or Harassing Communications; 
Hoaxes; False Liens), and Sec.  2B3.2 (Extortion by Force or Threat of 
Injury or Serious Damage), and to Appendix A, to provide references to 
the specific applicable provisions of 18 U.S.C. Sec.  876; and (D) 
clerical changes to the background commentaries to Sec.  1B1.11 (Use of 
Guidelines Manual in Effect on Date of Sentencing (Policy Statement)), 
Sec.  3D1.1 (Procedure for Determining Offense Level on Multiple 
Counts), and Sec.  5G1.3 (Imposition of a Sentence on a Defendant 
Subject to an Undischarged Term of Imprisonment or Anticipated State 
Term of Imprisonment).
    In addition, the Commission requests public comment regarding 
whether, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and 28 U.S.C. Sec.  
994(u), any proposed amendment published in this notice should be 
included in subsection (d) of Sec.  1B1.10 as an amendment that may be 
applied retroactively to previously sentenced defendants. The 
Commission lists in Sec.  1B1.10(d) the specific guideline amendments 
that the court may apply retroactively under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
3582(c)(2). The Background Commentary to Sec.  1B1.10 lists the purpose 
of the amendment, the magnitude of the change in the guideline range 
made by the amendment, and the difficulty of applying the amendment 
retroactively to determine an amended guideline range under Sec.  
1B1.10(b) as among the factors the Commission considers in selecting 
the amendments included in Sec.  1B1.10(d). To the extent practicable, 
public comment should address each of these factors.
    The text of the proposed amendments and related issues for comment 
are set forth below. Additional information pertaining to the proposed 
amendments and issues for comment described in this notice may be 
accessed through the Commission's website at www.ussc.gov.

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(a), (o), (p), (x); USSC Rules of 
Practice and Procedure 2.2, 4.3, 4.4.

William H. Pryor Jr.,
Acting Chair.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SENTENCING GUIDELINES, POLICY STATEMENTS, 
AND OFFICIAL COMMENTARY

1. Sec.  1B1.10

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: This proposed amendment contains 
two parts (Part A and Part B). The Commission is considering whether to 
promulgate either or both of these parts, as they are not mutually 
exclusive.
    Part A of the proposed amendment is the result of the Commission's 
consideration of miscellaneous issues, including possible amendments to 
Sec.  1B1.10 (Reduction in Term of Imprisonment as a Result of Amended 
Guideline Range (Policy Statement)) in light of Koons v. United States, 
138 S. Ct. 1783 (2018). See U.S. Sentencing Comm'n, ``Notice of Final 
Priorities,'' 83 FR 43956 (Aug. 28, 2018). Part A would revise Sec.  
1B1.10 in light of Koons.
    Part B of the proposed amendment would resolve a circuit conflict 
concerning the application of Sec.  1B1.10, pursuant to the 
Commission's authority under 28 U.S.C. Sec.  991(b)(1)(B) and Braxton 
v. United States, 500 U.S. 344 (1991). See U.S. Sentencing Comm'n, 
``Notice of Final Priorities,'' 83 FR 43956 (Aug. 28, 2018) 
(identifying resolution of circuit conflicts as a priority). An issue 
for comment is also provided.

(A) Possible Amendments in Light of Koons v. United States

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
3582(c), a court may modify a term of imprisonment if the defendant was 
initially sentenced based on a sentencing range that was subsequently 
lowered by a guideline amendment that the Commission has made 
retroactive. Section 3582(c)(2) provides:
    in the case of a defendant who has been sentenced to a term of 
imprisonment based on a sentencing range that has subsequently been 
lowered by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(o), upon 
motion of the defendant or the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or on 
its own motion, the court may reduce the term of imprisonment, after 
considering the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that 
they are applicable, if such a reduction is consistent with applicable 
policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission.


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18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2).

    A provision of the Sentencing Reform Act, 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(u), 
in turn, directs the Commission to determine when and to what extent 
such modifications are appropriate. Section 994(a)(2)(C) of Title 28 
also directs the Commission to promulgate ``general policy statements 
regarding application of the guidelines or any other aspect of 
sentencing or sentence implementation . . . including the appropriate 
use of . . . the sentence modification provisions set forth in section 
. . . 3582(c) of title 18.''
    The policy statement at Sec.  1B1.10 (Reduction in Term of 
Imprisonment as a Result of Amended Guideline Range (Policy Statement)) 
implements the Commission's authority and responsibilities under these 
statutory provisions. Section 1B1.10(a) sets forth the eligibility 
requirements for a reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment 
under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and the policy statement. 
Specifically, a defendant is eligible for a sentence reduction under 
the policy statement only if an amendment listed in Sec.  1B1.10(d) 
``lower[ed] the defendant's applicable guideline range.'' The 
``applicable guideline range'' is the range ``that corresponds to the 
offense level and criminal history category determined pursuant to 
Sec.  1B1.1(a), which is determined before consideration of any 
departure provision in the Guidelines Manual or any variance.'' USSG 
Sec.  1B1.10, comment. (n.1(A)).
    Section 1B1.10(b)(1) instructs that in determining whether, and to 
what extent, a reduction is warranted, the court shall determine the 
``amended guideline range'' that would have applied if the amendments 
listed in Sec.  1B1.10(d) had been in effect when the defendant was 
sentenced. In making that determination, the court shall substitute 
only the amendments listed in subsection (d) for the corresponding 
guideline provisions that were in effect at the original sentencing, 
``leav[ing] all other guideline application decisions unaffected.'' 
Subsection (b)(2)(A) further instructs that the court cannot reduce the 
defendant's term of imprisonment below the bottom of the amended 
guideline range. However, subsection (b)(2)(B) provides an exception to 
this limitation: if the term of imprisonment originally imposed was 
less than the term provided by the then applicable guideline range 
``pursuant to a government motion to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance to authorities, a reduction comparably less than 
the amended guideline range determined under [Sec.  1B1.10(b)(1)] may 
be appropriate.''
    Section 1B1.10(c) provides a special rule for determining the 
amended guideline range if the defendant was subject to a statutory 
mandatory minimum penalty when originally sentenced but was relieved of 
that mandatory minimum because the defendant provided substantial 
assistance to the government. Under the special rule, the amended 
guideline range ``shall be determined without regard to the operation 
of'' Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single Count of Conviction) and Sec.  
5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple Counts of Conviction), the guidelines 
providing that a statutory mandatory minimum penalty trumps the 
otherwise applicable guideline range.
    Recently, the Supreme Court decided Koons v. United States, 138 S. 
Ct. 1783 (June 4, 2018), which held that certain defendants are 
statutorily ineligible for a sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
3582(c)(2). Specifically, Koons held that defendants whose initial 
guideline ranges fell entirely below a statutory mandatory minimum 
penalty, but who were originally sentenced below that penalty pursuant 
to a government motion for substantial assistance (``below 
defendants''), are ineligible for sentence reductions under section 
3582(c)(2). See Koons, 138 S. Ct. at 1786-87. The Court reasoned that 
these below defendants' original sentences were not ``based on'' their 
guideline ranges but were instead ``based on'' their statutory minimum 
penalties and the substantial assistance they provided to the 
government. Id. (quoting 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2)). As a result, 
below defendants do not satisfy the threshold requirement in section 
3582(c)(2) that they be ``initially sentenced `based on a sentencing 
range' that was later lowered by the [Commission].'' Id.
    Koons rested on the defendants' statutory ineligibility for a 
sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and did not analyze 
the policy statement at Sec.  1B1.10 or the correct application of the 
guidelines in sentence reduction proceedings. In addition, Koons did 
not address whether two other categories of defendants whose cases 
involve mandatory minimum sentences are eligible for relief: (1) those 
with guideline ranges that straddle the mandatory minimum penalty 
(``straddle defendants'') and (2) those with guideline ranges 
completely above the mandatory minimum penalty (``above defendants'').
    Part A of the proposed amendment would revise Sec.  1B1.10 in light 
of the Supreme Court decision in Koons.
    First, Part A would revise subsection (a) and its corresponding 
commentary to clarify that a defendant is eligible for a reduction 
under the policy statement only if the defendant was ``sentenced based 
on a guideline range.'' Subsection (a)(1) would be revised to closely 
track section 3582(c)'s requirement that the defendant must be 
``sentenced based on a guideline range.'' The proposed amendment would 
revise subsection (a)(2) to affirmatively state the requirements for 
eligibility rather than exclusions from eligibility. It would also add 
as a requirement for eligibility that the defendant was ``sentenced 
based on a guideline range.''
    Second, Part A would revise subsection (b)(1) to clarify that the 
eligibility requirement in renumbered subsection (a)(2)(c)--that the 
amendment has the effect of lowering the defendant's applicable 
guideline range--is determined by comparing the defendant's applicable 
guideline range at original sentencing to the amended guideline range, 
as calculated in the manner described in subsection (b)(1).
    Finally, Part A provides three options for revising subsection (c), 
each of which would result in a different sentencing outcome for the 
defendants who remain eligible for a sentence reduction following 
Koons.
    Option 1 would make no change to subsection (c). As a result, for 
statutorily eligible defendants (straddle and above defendants) who 
received relief from a statutory mandatory minimum penalty because they 
provided substantial assistance, the amended guideline range would 
continue to be determined without regard to the operation of Sec. Sec.  
5G1.1 and 5G1.2. This option would permit courts to give statutorily 
eligible defendants the largest possible sentence reductions for their 
substantial assistance. It would, however, treat straddle and above 
defendants more favorably than below defendants, who are statutorily 
ineligible for any reduction. It would also treat straddle and above 
defendants more favorably than similarly situated defendants who are 
being sentenced for the first time, because Sec. Sec.  5G1.1 and 5G1.2 
would apply to defendants facing initial sentencing.
    Option 2 would provide that the amended guideline range is 
determined after operation of Sec. Sec.  5G1.1 and 5G1.2. As a result, 
straddle defendants would not receive any reduction and above 
defendants would receive smaller reductions than they do under current 
subsection (c). This option would treat straddle and above defendants 
the same as below defendants. It would also treat all three categories 
of defendants the

[[Page 65403]]

same as similarly situated defendants facing initial sentencing.
    Option 3 would provide that the amended guideline range is 
restricted by Sec. Sec.  5G1.1 and 5G1.2 only if it was so restricted 
at the time the defendant was originally sentenced. As a result, 
straddle defendants would not receive any reduction. Above defendants 
would be eligible for the largest possible reduction, as they are under 
current subsection (c). This option would, however, treat above 
defendants more favorably than straddle and below defendants, and more 
favorably than similarly situated defendants facing initial sentencing.
    Part A of the proposed amendment also makes conforming changes to 
the commentary.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Section 1B1.10 is amended--
    in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``is serving a term of 
imprisonment, and the guideline range applicable to that defendant has 
subsequently been lowered'' and inserting ``was sentenced to a term of 
imprisonment based on a guideline range that has subsequently been 
lowered'';
    in subsection (a)(2) by striking the following:
    ``Exclusions.--A reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment 
is not consistent with this policy statement and therefore is not 
authorized under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) if--
    (A) none of the amendments listed in subsection (d) is applicable 
to the defendant; or
    (B) an amendment listed in subsection (d) does not have the effect 
of lowering the defendant's applicable guideline range.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Eligibility.--A defendant is eligible for a reduction in the 
defendant's term of imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c) and this 
policy statement only if--
    (A) the defendant was sentenced based on a guideline range;
    (B) an amendment listed in subsection (d) is applicable to the 
defendant; and
    (C) that amendment has the effect of lowering the defendant's 
applicable guideline range.'';
    [Option 1 (which also includes changes to commentary):
    and in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``In determining whether, and 
to what extent, a reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment 
under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and this policy statement is 
warranted,'' and inserting ``To determine whether the defendant is 
eligible under subsection (a)(2)(C) and the extent of any permissible 
reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment,'', and by striking 
``leave all other guideline application decisions unaffected'' and 
inserting ``leave all other guideline application decisions unaffected, 
except as provided in subsection (c) below''.]
    [Option 2 (which also includes changes to commentary):
    in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``In determining whether, and to 
what extent, a reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment under 
18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and this policy statement is warranted,'' 
and inserting ``To determine whether the defendant is eligible under 
subsection (a)(2)(C) and the extent of any permissible reduction in the 
defendant's term of imprisonment,'', and by striking ``leave all other 
guideline application decisions unaffected'' and inserting ``leave all 
other guideline application decisions unaffected, except as provided in 
subsection (c) below'';
    and in subsection (c) by striking ``without regard to the operation 
of Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single Count of Conviction)'' and 
inserting ``after operation of Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single 
Count of Conviction)''.]
    [Option 3 (which also includes changes to commentary):
    in subsection (b)(1) by striking ``In determining whether, and to 
what extent, a reduction in the defendant's term of imprisonment under 
18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and this policy statement is warranted,'' 
and inserting ``To determine whether the defendant is eligible under 
subsection (a)(2)(C) and the extent of any permissible reduction in the 
defendant's term of imprisonment,'';
    and in subsection (c) by striking ``the amended guideline range 
shall be determined without regard to the operation of Sec.  5G1.1 
(Sentencing on a Single Count of Conviction) and Sec.  5G1.2 
(Sentencing on Multiple Counts of Conviction)'' and inserting ``the 
court shall not apply Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single Count of 
Conviction) or Sec.  5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple Counts of 
Conviction) to replace or restrict the amended guideline range unless 
Sec.  5G1.1 or Sec.  5G1.2 operated to restrict the guideline range at 
the time the defendant was sentenced''.]
    The Commentary to Sec.  1B1.10 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 1 in paragraph (A) by striking the following:
    ``Eligibility.--Eligibility for consideration under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
3582(c)(2) is triggered only by an amendment listed in subsection (d) 
that lowers the applicable guideline range (i.e., the guideline range 
that corresponds to the offense level and criminal history category 
determined pursuant to Sec.  1B1.1(a), which is determined before 
consideration of any departure provision in the Guidelines Manual or 
any variance). Accordingly, a reduction in the defendant's term of 
imprisonment is not authorized under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2) and is 
not consistent with this policy statement if: (i) none of the 
amendments listed in subsection (d) is applicable to the defendant; or 
(ii) an amendment listed in subsection (d) is applicable to the 
defendant but the amendment does not have the effect of lowering the 
defendant's applicable guideline range because of the operation of 
another guideline or statutory provision (e.g., a statutory mandatory 
minimum term of imprisonment).'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Eligibility.--Under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2), a defendant may 
obtain a reduction in his term of imprisonment only if the defendant 
was originally sentenced `based on a sentencing range that has 
subsequently lowered by the Sentencing Commission.' Subsection 
(a)(2)(A) therefore provides that a defendant is eligible for a 
reduction under the statute and this policy statement only if `the 
defendant was sentenced based on a guideline range.' For purposes of 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  3582(c)(2), a defendant was sentenced `based on a 
guideline range' only if that range played a relevant part in the 
framework that the sentencing court used in imposing the sentence. See 
Hughes v. United States, 138 S. Ct. 1765 (2018). Accordingly, a 
defendant is not sentenced `based on a guideline range' if, pursuant to 
Sec.  5G1.1(b), the guideline range that would otherwise have applied 
was superseded, and the statutorily required minimum sentence became 
the defendant's guideline sentence. See Koons v. United States, 138 S. 
Ct. 1783 (2018). If a defendant is ineligible for a reduction under 
subsection (a)(2)(A), the court shall not apply any other provisions of 
this policy statement and may not order a reduction in the defendant's 
term of imprisonment.
    Subsection (a)(2)(C) further provides that a defendant is eligible 
for a reduction in his term of imprisonment only if an amendment listed 
in subsection (d) has the effect of lowering the defendant's applicable 
guideline range. The `applicable guideline range' is the guideline 
range that corresponds to the offense level and criminal history 
category determined pursuant to Sec.  1B1.1(a), which is determined 
before consideration of any departure provision in the Guidelines 
Manual or

[[Page 65404]]

any variance. Accordingly, a defendant is not eligible for a reduction 
if an amendment listed in subsection (d) is applicable to the defendant 
but the amendment does not have the effect of lowering the defendant's 
applicable guideline range because of the operation of another 
guideline or statutory provision (e.g., a statutory mandatory minimum 
term of imprisonment). To determine whether a defendant is eligible for 
a reduction under subsection (a)(2)(C), and the permissible amount of 
the reduction, if any, the court must first determine the defendant's 
amended guideline range, as provided in subsection (b)(1).'';
    [Option 1 and Option 2 would also include the following changes to 
Notes 2 and 3:
    in Note 2 by striking ``All other guideline application decisions 
remain unaffected'' and inserting ``All other guideline application 
decisions remain unaffected, except as provided in subsection (c)'';
    in Note 3 by striking ``limit the extent to which the court may 
reduce the defendant's term of imprisonment'' and inserting ``limit the 
extent to which the court may reduce an otherwise eligible defendant's 
term of imprisonment'';]
    [Option 1 continued:
    and in Note 4(B)--
    by striking ``Ordinarily, Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the 
amended guideline range to precisely 120 months'' and inserting 
``Ordinarily, Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to replace the amended 
guideline range with a guideline sentence of precisely 120 months'';
    and by striking ``the amended guideline range is considered to be 
87 to 108 months (i.e., unrestricted by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 and 
the statutory minimum of 120 months)'' and inserting ``the amended 
guideline range is considered to be 87 to 108 months (i.e., not 
replaced by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 with the statutory minimum of 120 
months)''.]
    [Option 2 continued:
    and in Note 4 by striking the following:
    ``Application of Subsection (c).--As stated in subsection (c), if 
the case involves a statutorily required minimum sentence and the court 
had the authority to impose a sentence below the statutorily required 
minimum sentence pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance to authorities, then for purposes of 
this policy statement the amended guideline range shall be determined 
without regard to the operation of Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single 
Count of Conviction) and Sec.  5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple Counts of 
Conviction). For example:
    (A) Defendant A is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing was 135 to 168 months, which is entirely above the mandatory 
minimum, and the court imposed a sentence of 101 months pursuant to a 
government motion to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to 
authorities. The court determines that the amended guideline range as 
calculated on the Sentencing Table is 108 to 135 months. Ordinarily, 
Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the amended guideline range to 
120 to 135 months, to reflect the mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment. For purposes of this policy statement, however, the 
amended guideline range remains 108 to 135 months.
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant A's original sentence of 101 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the minimum 
of the original guideline range of 135 months. Therefore, an amended 
sentence of 81 months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 
percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range of 108 months) 
would amount to a comparable reduction and may be appropriate.
    (B) Defendant B is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing (as calculated on the Sentencing Table) was 108 to 135 
months, which was restricted by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 to a range of 
120 to 135 months. See Sec.  5G1.1(c)(2). The court imposed a sentence 
of 90 months pursuant to a government motion to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance to authorities. The court determines that the 
amended guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing Table is 87 to 
108 months. Ordinarily, Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the 
amended guideline range to precisely 120 months, to reflect the 
mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. See Sec.  5G1.1(b). For 
purposes of this policy statement, however, the amended guideline range 
is considered to be 87 to 108 months (i.e., unrestricted by operation 
of Sec.  5G1.1 and the statutory minimum of 120 months).
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant B's original sentence of 90 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the original 
guideline range of 120 months. Therefore, an amended sentence of 65 
months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the 
minimum of the amended guideline range of 87 months) would amount to a 
comparable reduction and may be appropriate.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Application of Subsection (c).--As stated in subsection (c), if 
the case involves a statutorily required minimum sentence and the court 
had the authority to impose a sentence below the statutorily required 
minimum sentence pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance to authorities, then for purposes of 
this policy statement the amended guideline range shall be determined 
after operation of Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single Count of 
Conviction) and Sec.  5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple Counts of 
Conviction). For example:
    (A) Defendant A is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing was 135 to 168 months, which is entirely above the mandatory 
minimum, and the court imposed a sentence of 101 months pursuant to a 
government motion to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to 
authorities. The court determines that the amended guideline range as 
calculated on the Sentencing Table is 108 to 135 months. For purposes 
of this policy statement, the amended guideline range is considered to 
be 120 to 135 months (i.e., restricted by operation of Sec.  
5G1.1(c)(2) to reflect the statutory minimum of 120 months).
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant A's original sentence of 101 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the minimum 
of the original guideline range of 135 months. Therefore, an amended 
sentence of 90 months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 
percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range of 120 months) 
would amount to a comparable reduction and may be appropriate.
    (B) Defendant B is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing (as calculated on the Sentencing Table) was 108 to 135

[[Page 65405]]

months, which was restricted by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 to a range of 
120 to 135 months. See Sec.  5G1.1(c)(2). The court imposed a sentence 
of 90 months pursuant to a government motion to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance to authorities. The court determines that the 
amended guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing Table is 87 to 
108 months. For purposes of this policy statement, Sec.  5G1.1 would 
replace the amended guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing 
Table with a guideline sentence of precisely 120 months, to reflect the 
mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. See Sec.  5G1.1(b).
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant B's original sentence of 90 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the original 
guideline range of 120 months. However, subsection (b)(2)(B) precludes 
this defendant from receiving any further reduction, because the point 
from which any comparable reduction would be determined has not 
changed; the minimum of the original guideline range (120 months) and 
the amended guideline range (120 months) are the same, so any 
comparable reduction that may be appropriate under subsection (b)(2)(B) 
would be equivalent to the reduction Defendant B already received in 
the original sentence of 90 months.''.]
    [Option 3 continued:
    and in Note 4 by striking the following:
    ``Application of Subsection (c).--As stated in subsection (c), if 
the case involves a statutorily required minimum sentence and the court 
had the authority to impose a sentence below the statutorily required 
minimum sentence pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance to authorities, then for purposes of 
this policy statement the amended guideline range shall be determined 
without regard to the operation of Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing on a Single 
Count of Conviction) and Sec.  5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple Counts of 
Conviction). For example:
    (A) Defendant A is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing was 135 to 168 months, which is entirely above the mandatory 
minimum, and the court imposed a sentence of 101 months pursuant to a 
government motion to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to 
authorities. The court determines that the amended guideline range as 
calculated on the Sentencing Table is 108 to 135 months. Ordinarily, 
Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the amended guideline range to 
120 to 135 months, to reflect the mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment. For purposes of this policy statement, however, the 
amended guideline range remains 108 to 135 months.
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant A's original sentence of 101 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the minimum 
of the original guideline range of 135 months. Therefore, an amended 
sentence of 81 months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 
percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range of 108 months) 
would amount to a comparable reduction and may be appropriate.
    (B) Defendant B is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing (as calculated on the Sentencing Table) was 108 to 135 
months, which was restricted by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 to a range of 
120 to 135 months. See Sec.  5G1.1(c)(2). The court imposed a sentence 
of 90 months pursuant to a government motion to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance to authorities. The court determines that the 
amended guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing Table is 87 to 
108 months. Ordinarily, Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the 
amended guideline range to precisely 120 months, to reflect the 
mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. See Sec.  5G1.1(b). For 
purposes of this policy statement, however, the amended guideline range 
is considered to be 87 to 108 months (i.e., unrestricted by operation 
of Sec.  5G1.1 and the statutory minimum of 120 months).
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant B's original sentence of 90 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the original 
guideline range of 120 months. Therefore, an amended sentence of 65 
months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the 
minimum of the amended guideline range of 87 months) would amount to a 
comparable reduction and may be appropriate.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Application of Subsection (c).--As stated in subsection (c), if 
the case involves a statutorily required minimum sentence and the court 
had the authority to impose a sentence below the statutorily required 
minimum sentence pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance to authorities, then for purposes of 
this policy statement the court shall not apply Sec.  5G1.1 (Sentencing 
on a Single Count of Conviction) or Sec.  5G1.2 (Sentencing on Multiple 
Counts of Conviction) to replace or restrict the amended guideline 
range unless Sec.  5G1.1 or Sec.  5G1.2 operated to restrict the 
guideline range at the time the defendant was sentenced. For example:
    (A) Defendant A is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing was 135 to 168 months, which is entirely above the mandatory 
minimum, and the court imposed a sentence of 101 months pursuant to a 
government motion to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to 
authorities. The original range of 135 to 168 months was entirely above 
the mandatory minimum, so Sec.  5G1.1 did not operate to replace or 
restrict that range. The court determines that the amended guideline 
range as calculated on the Sentencing Table is 108 to 135 months. 
Ordinarily, Sec.  5G1.1 would operate to restrict the amended guideline 
range to 120 to 135 months, to reflect the mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment. For purposes of this policy statement, however, the 
amended guideline range remains 108 to 135 months. The court does not 
apply Sec.  5G1.1 to the amended guideline range because Sec.  5G1.1 
was not applied when the defendant was originally sentenced.
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant A's original sentence of 101 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the minimum 
of the original guideline range of 135 months. Therefore, an amended 
sentence of 81 months (representing a reduction of approximately 25 
percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range of 108 months) 
would amount to a comparable reduction and may be appropriate.
    (B) Defendant B is subject to a mandatory minimum term of 
imprisonment of 120 months. The original guideline range at the time of 
sentencing (as calculated on the Sentencing Table) was 108 to 135

[[Page 65406]]

months, which was restricted by operation of Sec.  5G1.1 to a range of 
120 to 135 months. See Sec.  5G1.1(c)(2). The court imposed a sentence 
of 90 months pursuant to a government motion to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance to authorities. The court determines that the 
amended guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing Table is 87 to 
108 months. Section 5G1.1 would operate to replace the amended 
guideline range as calculated on the Sentencing Table with a guideline 
sentence of precisely 120 months, to reflect the mandatory minimum term 
of imprisonment. See Sec.  5G1.1(b). The court should apply Sec.  5G1.1 
to the amended guideline range because Sec.  5G1.1 was applied when the 
defendant was originally sentenced.
    To the extent the court considers it appropriate to provide a 
reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range pursuant to 
subsection (b)(2)(B), Defendant B's original sentence of 90 months 
amounted to a reduction of approximately 25 percent below the original 
guideline range of 120 months. However, subsection (b)(2)(B) precludes 
this defendant from receiving any further reduction, because the point 
from which any comparable reduction would be determined has not 
changed; the minimum of the original guideline range (120 months) and 
the minimum of the amended range (120 months) are the same, so any 
comparable reduction that may be appropriate under subsection (b)(2)(B) 
would be equivalent to the reduction Defendant B already received in 
the original sentence of 90 months.''.]

(B) Resolution of Circuit Conflict

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: In addition to the issues raised by 
Koons v. United States, 138 S. Ct. 1783 (2018), a circuit conflict has 
emerged regarding the application of Sec.  1B1.10(b)(2)(B). Section 
1B1.10(b)(2)(A) instructs that, in acting on a motion under 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  3582(c)(2), a court cannot reduce a defendant's term of 
imprisonment to a term that is less than the amended guideline minimum, 
as calculated under Sec.  1B1.10(b)(1). However, Sec.  1B1.10(b)(2)(B) 
provides an exception to this limitation: if the term of imprisonment 
originally imposed was less than the applicable guideline range at the 
time of sentencing ``pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance to authorities, a reduction 
comparably less than the amended guideline range determined under 
[Sec.  1B1.10(b)(1)] may be appropriate.''
    Circuit courts have disagreed about whether Sec.  1B1.10(b)(2)(B) 
allows a court to reduce a sentence below the amended guideline range 
to reflect departures other than substantial assistance that the 
defendant received at his original sentencing or whether any sentence 
reduction may reflect only the departure amount attributable to 
substantial assistance. The Sixth and Eleventh Circuits have held that 
a court may reduce a sentence below the amended guideline range by an 
amount attributable only to the substantial assistance departure. See 
United States v. Taylor, 815 F.3d 248 (6th Cir. 2016); United States v. 
Marroquin-Medina, 817 F.3d 1285 (11th Cir. 2016); see also United 
States v. Wright, 562 F. App'x 885 (11th Cir. 2014). The Seventh and 
Ninth Circuits have held that, if a defendant received a substantial 
assistance departure, a court may reduce the defendant's sentence 
further below the amended guideline minimum to reflect other departures 
or variances the defendant received, in addition to the substantial 
assistance departure. See United States v. Phelps, 823 F.3d 1084 (7th 
Cir. 2016); United States v. D.M., 869 F.3d 1133 (9th Cir. 2017).
    Part B of the proposed amendment would revise Application Note 3 of 
the Commentary to Sec.  1B1.10 (Reduction in Term of Imprisonment as a 
Result of Amended Guideline Range (Policy Statement)) to resolve this 
circuit conflict. Part B provides two options for resolving the 
conflict.
    Option 1 would adopt the approach of the Sixth and Eleventh 
Circuits. It would revise Application Note 3 to state that in a case in 
which the exception provided by subsection (b)(2)(B) applies and the 
defendant received both a substantial assistance departure and at least 
one other departure or variance, a reduction ``comparably less'' than 
the defendant's amended guideline range may take into account only the 
substantial assistance departure.
    Option 2 would adopt the approach of the Seventh and Ninth 
Circuits. It would revise Application Note 3 to state that in a case in 
which the exception provided by subsection (b)(2)(B) applies and the 
defendant received both a substantial assistance departure and at least 
one other departure or variance, a reduction ``comparably less'' than 
the amended guideline range may take into account all the departures 
and variances that the defendant received.
    An issue for comment is also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    The Commentary to Sec.  1B1.10 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 3 by striking the following:
    ``Subsection (b)(2)(B) provides an exception to this limitation, 
which applies if the term of imprisonment imposed was less than the 
term of imprisonment provided by the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing pursuant to a government motion to 
reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to authorities. In such 
a case, the court may reduce the defendant's term, but the reduction is 
not limited by subsection (b)(2)(A) to the minimum of the amended 
guideline range. Instead, as provided in subsection (b)(2)(B), the 
court may, if appropriate, provide a reduction comparably less than the 
amended guideline range. Thus, if the term of imprisonment imposed in 
the example provided above was 56 months pursuant to a government 
motion to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to authorities 
(representing a downward departure of 20 percent below the minimum term 
of imprisonment provided by the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing), a reduction to a term of 
imprisonment of 41 months (representing a reduction of approximately 20 
percent below the minimum term of imprisonment provided by the amended 
guideline range) would amount to a comparable reduction and may be 
appropriate.
    The provisions authorizing such a government motion are Sec.  5K1.1 
(Substantial Assistance to Authorities) (authorizing, upon government 
motion, a downward departure based on the defendant's substantial 
assistance); 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3553(e) (authorizing the court, upon 
government motion, to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum to 
reflect the defendant's substantial assistance); and Fed. R. Crim. P. 
35(b) (authorizing the court, upon government motion, to reduce a 
sentence to reflect the defendant's substantial assistance).'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Subsection (b)(2)(B) provides an exception to this limitation, 
which applies if the term of imprisonment imposed was less than the 
term of imprisonment provided by the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing pursuant to a government motion to 
reflect the defendant's substantial assistance to authorities. The 
provisions authorizing such a government motion are Sec.  5K1.1 
(Substantial Assistance to Authorities) (authorizing, upon government 
motion, a downward departure based on the defendant's substantial 
assistance); 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3553(e) (authorizing the court, upon 
government motion, to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum to 
reflect the defendant's substantial

[[Page 65407]]

assistance); and Fed. R. Crim. P. 35(b) (authorizing the court, upon 
government motion, to reduce a sentence to reflect the defendant's 
substantial assistance).
    In a case in which the exception provided by subsection (b)(2)(B) 
applies, the court may reduce the defendant's term, but the reduction 
is not limited by subsection (b)(2)(A) to the minimum of the amended 
guideline range. Instead, as provided in subsection (b)(2)(B), the 
court may, if appropriate, provide a reduction comparably less than the 
amended guideline range.

[Option 1:

    If the term of imprisonment imposed was less than the term of 
imprisonment provided by the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing pursuant to one or more departures 
or variances in addition to a substantial assistance departure, the 
reduction under subsection (b)(2)(B) may take into account only the 
substantial assistance departure. Thus, if the term of imprisonment 
imposed in the example above was 56 months (representing a downward 
departure of 20 percent below the minimum of the guideline range 
applicable to the defendant at the time of sentencing), and that 
departure was solely pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance, then a reduction of approximately 
20 percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range, to a term 
of imprisonment of 41 months, would be a comparable reduction and may 
be appropriate. If, however, the 56-month term of imprisonment 
reflected both a departure of 10 percent below the minimum of the 
applicable guideline range pursuant to a substantial-assistance motion 
and a variance of an additional 10 percent below the applicable range 
because of the history and characteristics of the defendant, then only 
a reduction of approximately 10 percent (representing solely the 
departure for substantial assistance), to a term of imprisonment of 46 
months, would be a comparable reduction and may be appropriate.]

[Option 2:

    If the term of imprisonment imposed was less than the term of 
imprisonment provided by the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing pursuant to one or more departures 
or variances in addition to a substantial assistance departure, the 
reduction under subsection (b)(2)(B) may take into account all the 
departures and variances that the defendant received. Thus, if the term 
of imprisonment imposed in the example above was 56 months 
(representing downward departures or variances totaling 20 percent 
below the minimum term of the guideline range applicable to the 
defendant at the time of sentencing), and at least part of that below-
guideline sentence was pursuant to a government motion to reflect the 
defendant's substantial assistance, then a reduction of approximately 
20 percent below the minimum of the amended guideline range, to a term 
of imprisonment of 41 months, would be a comparable reduction and may 
be appropriate.]''.

Issue for Comment:

    1. Option 2 of Part B of the proposed amendment would revise 
Application Note 3 of the Commentary to Sec.  1B1.10 (Reduction in Term 
of Imprisonment as a Result of Amended Guideline Range (Policy 
Statement)) to state that where the exception provided by Sec.  
1B1.10(b)(2)(B) applies and the defendant received both a substantial 
assistance departure and at least one other departure or variance, a 
reduction ``comparably less'' than the defendant's amended guideline 
range may take into account not only the substantial assistance 
departure but also any other departure or variance that the defendant 
received. If the Commission adopts this approach, should the Commission 
limit the departures and variances that may be considered? For example, 
should the Commission provide that a comparable reduction may take into 
account only departures and not variances? Should the Commission 
provide that a comparable reduction may take into account only certain, 
specified types of departures or variances? If so, which ones? Or 
should the Commission provide that a comparable reduction generally may 
take into account departures and variances other than substantial 
assistance, but one or more particular types of departures or variances 
may not be considered? If so, which ones?

2. Career Offender

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: This proposed amendment is a result 
of the Commission's consideration of possible amendments to Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) to (A) allow courts to 
consider the actual conduct of the defendant, rather than only the 
elements of the offense (i.e., ``categorical approach''), in 
determining whether an offense is a crime of violence or a controlled 
substance offense; and (B) address various application issues, 
including the meaning of ``robbery'' and ``extortion,'' and the 
treatment of inchoate offenses and offenses involving an offer to sell 
a controlled substance. See U.S. Sentencing Comm'n, ``Notice of Final 
Priorities,'' 83 FR 43956 (Aug. 28, 2018). The proposed amendment 
contains four parts (Parts A through D). The Commission is considering 
whether to promulgate any or all of these parts, as they are not 
mutually exclusive.
    Part A of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 to 
establish that the categorical approach and modified categorical 
approach do not apply in determining whether a conviction is a ``crime 
of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense.'' Specifically, it 
would provide that, in making that determination, a court shall 
consider any element or alternative means for meeting an element of the 
offense committed by the defendant, as well as the conduct that formed 
the basis of the offense of conviction. In addition, Part A would allow 
courts to look at a wider range of sources from the judicial record, 
beyond the statute of conviction, in determining the conduct that 
formed the basis of the offense of conviction. Part A would also make 
similar revisions to Sec.  2L1.2 (Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in 
the United States), as well as conforming changes to the guidelines 
that use the terms ``crime of violence'' and ``controlled substance 
offense'' and define these terms by making specific reference to Sec.  
4B1.2. Issues for comment are also provided.
    Part B of the proposed amendment would address the concern that 
certain robbery offenses, such as Hobbs Act robbery, no longer 
constitute a ``crime of violence'' under Sec.  4B1.2, as amended in 
2016, because these offenses do not meet either the generic definition 
of ``robbery'' or the new guidelines definition of ``extortion.'' Three 
options are presented. Issues for comment are also provided.
    Part C of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 to address 
certain issues regarding the commentary provision stating that the 
terms ``crime of violence'' and ``controlled substance offense'' 
include the offenses of aiding and abetting, conspiring to commit, and 
attempting to commit a ``crime of violence'' and a ``controlled 
substance offense.'' Three options are presented. Issues for comment 
are also provided.
    Part D of the proposed amendment would amend the definition of 
``controlled substance offense'' in Sec.  4B1.2(b) to include offenses 
involving an offer to sell a controlled substance and offenses 
described in 46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a) and Sec.  70506(b). An issue for 
comment is also provided.

[[Page 65408]]

(A) Categorical Approach

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: A number of statutes and guidelines 
provide enhanced penalties for defendants convicted of offenses that 
fit within a particular category of crimes. Courts typically determine 
whether a conviction fits within a particular category of crimes 
through the application of the ``categorical approach'' set forth by 
the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court cases adopting and applying the 
categorical approach have involved statutory provisions (e.g., 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  924(e)) rather than guidelines. However, courts have 
applied the categorical approach to guideline provisions, even though 
the guidelines do not expressly require such an analysis. Specifically, 
courts have used the categorical approach to determine if a conviction 
is a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense'' for 
purposes of applying the career offender guideline at Sec.  4B1.1 
(Career Offender). This form of analysis limits the range of 
information a sentencing court may consider in making such 
determination to the statute under which the defendant sustained the 
conviction (and, in certain cases, judicial documents surrounding that 
conviction).
    In Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990), the Supreme Court 
held that to determine whether a prior conviction qualifies as an 
enumerated ``violent felony'' under the Armed Career Criminal Act 
(ACCA), courts must use ``a formal categorical approach, looking only 
to the statutory definitions of the prior offenses, and not to the 
particular facts underlying those convictions.'' Taylor, 495 U.S. at 
600. If the statutory definition of the prior offense corresponds in 
substance to the generic version of the enumerated offense, or is 
narrower than that generic offense, the prior conviction can serve as a 
predicate offense. Id. at 599. If the statutory definition of the prior 
offense is broader than the generic offense, the prior conviction 
generally cannot count as a predicate offense. Id. In making such a 
determination, a sentencing court generally may ``look only to the fact 
of conviction and the statutory definition of the prior offense.'' Id. 
at 602. However, this approach ``may permit the sentencing court to go 
beyond the mere fact of conviction in a narrow range of cases where a 
jury was actually required to find all the elements'' of the generic 
offense. Id. Thus, a prior conviction fits within the particular 
category of crimes ``if either its statutory definition substantially 
corresponds to [the generic definition of the crime], or the charging 
paper and jury instructions actually required the jury to find all the 
elements of [the generic crime] in order to convict the defendant.'' 
Id.
    In Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13 (2005), the Supreme Court 
reaffirmed the use of this modified version of the categorical approach 
in the ``narrow range of cases'' recognized in Taylor in which the 
statute of conviction defines an offense that is broader than the 
elements of the generic offense. Shepard, 544 U.S. at 17-18. In such a 
case, the Court held, the sentencing court may look to a limited list 
of documents to determine the class of offense. In cases resolved by a 
guilty plea, such as in Shepard, the court may look to ``the terms of 
the charging document, the terms of the plea agreement or transcript of 
colloquy between judge and defendant in which the factual basis for the 
plea was confirmed by the defendant, or to some comparable judicial 
record of this information.'' Id. at 26. This analysis is called the 
``modified categorical approach.'' Under this approach, the court may 
consider only those sources of information approved by Taylor and 
Shepard--the charging document, the jury instructions or judge's formal 
rulings of law and findings of fact, any plea agreement or plea 
statement, or ``some comparable judicial record of this information.''
    More recent cases make clear that a court may use the modified 
categorical approach described in Shepard only when the statute that 
the defendant was convicted of violating is ``divisible.'' The Supreme 
Court held in Descamps v. United States, 570 U.S. 254 (2013), that a 
statute is ``divisible'' only when it contains multiple crimes defined 
by multiple alternative elements. If the statute is not divisible 
(i.e., it describes a single crime defined by a single set of elements, 
even if it may also list alternative means of satisfying one or more 
elements), then the modified categorical approach is not permitted. 
When a statute is divisible, and the modified categorical approach is 
applied, only the documents approved in Taylor and Shepard may be used 
to determine which of the alternative specified ways of committing the 
offense formed the basis of conviction. The modified categorical 
approach acts in such cases not as an exception to the categorical 
approach, but as a tool of that approach, while retaining its central 
feature: ``a focus on the elements, rather than the facts of a crime.'' 
Id. at 263. Consequently, courts cannot use the documents to 
investigate the underlying conduct of the prior offense.
    In Mathis v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 2243 (2016), the Supreme 
Court elaborated further on the elements-means distinction, holding 
that a sentencing court may look only to the elements of the statute of 
conviction, even if the statute specifies alternative ways of 
committing the offense. The Court instructed that the first task for 
sentencing courts faced with alternatively phrased statutes is to 
``determine whether its listed items are elements or means.'' Id. at 
2256. If the listed items are elements of the offense, the modified 
categorical approach is available for courts to determine under what 
section of the statute the defendant was convicted. However, if the 
listed items are means of satisfying one of the offense elements, the 
court cannot apply the modified categorical approach to determine which 
of the statutory alternatives was at issue in prosecuting the prior 
conviction. Id.
    The Commission has received significant comment over the years 
regarding the categorical approach, most of which has been negative. 
Courts and stakeholders have criticized the categorical approach as 
being an overly complex, time consuming, resource-intensive analysis 
that often leads to litigation and uncertainty. Commenters have also 
indicated that the categorical approach creates serious and unjust 
inconsistencies that make the guidelines more cumbersome, complex, and 
less effective at addressing dangerous repeat offenders. As a result, 
commenters argue, some federal and state offenses that would otherwise 
qualify as a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance 
offense'' no longer qualify as such in several federal circuits.
    Part A of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) to provide that the 
categorical approach and modified categorical approach do not apply in 
determining whether a conviction is a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense.'' Specifically, Part A would provide 
that, in making that determination, a court shall consider any element 
or alternative means for meeting an element of the offense committed by 
the defendant, as well as the conduct that formed the basis of the 
offense of conviction.
    In addition, Part A would allow courts to look at a wider range of 
sources from the judicial record, beyond the statute of conviction, in 
determining the conduct that formed the basis of the offense of 
conviction. Specifically, it would permit courts to look to the types 
of sources identified in Taylor and Shepard: (1) the charging document; 
(2)

[[Page 65409]]

the jury instructions, in a case tried to a jury; the judge's formal 
rulings of law or findings of fact, in a case tried to a judge alone; 
or, in a case resolved by a guilty plea, the plea agreement or 
transcript of colloquy between judge and defendant in which the factual 
basis of the plea was confirmed by the defendant; (3) any explicit 
factual finding by the trial judge to which the defendant assented; and 
(4) any comparable judicial record of the information described above.
    Part A of the proposed amendment would also make corresponding 
changes to the Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2 (Unlawfully Entering or 
Remaining in the United States), which contains definitions for the 
terms ``crime of violence'' and ``drug trafficking offense'' that 
closely track the definitions of ``crime of violence'' and ``controlled 
substance offense,'' respectively, in Sec.  4B1.2. It would add a new 
application note that mirrors the new provisions proposed for Sec.  
4B1.2.
    Finally, Part A of the proposed amendment makes conforming changes 
to the guidelines that use the terms ``crime of violence'' and 
``controlled substance offense'' and define these terms by making 
specific reference to Sec.  4B1.2. Accordingly, the proposed amendment 
would amend the commentaries to Sec. Sec.  [thinsp]2K1.3 (Unlawful 
Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Explosive Materials; 
Prohibited Transactions Involving Explosive Materials), 2K2.1 (Unlawful 
Receipt, Possession, or Transportation of Firearms or Ammunition; 
Prohibited Transactions Involving Firearms and Ammunitions), 2S1.1 
(Laundering of Monetary Instruments; Engaging in Monetary Transactions 
in Property Derived from Unlawful Activity), 4A1.2 (Definitions and 
Instructions for Computing Criminal History), 4B1.4 (Armed Career 
Criminal), and 7B1.1 (Classification of Violations (Policy Statement)).
    Issues for comment are also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Section 4B1.2 is amended--
    in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``has as an element'' and 
inserting ``has an element or alternative means for meeting an 
element'';
    in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``is murder,'' and inserting 
``constituted murder,'';
    and in subsection (b) by striking ``that prohibits'' and inserting 
``that has as an element or alternative means for meeting an element''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 2 by striking the following:
    ``Offense of Conviction as Focus of Inquiry.--Section 4B1.1 (Career 
Offender) expressly provides that the instant and prior offenses must 
be crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses of which the 
defendant was convicted. Therefore, in determining whether an offense 
is a crime of violence or controlled substance for the purposes of 
Sec.  4B1.1 (Career Offender), the offense of conviction (i.e., the 
conduct of which the defendant was convicted) is the focus of 
inquiry.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``Procedure for Determining Whether an Offense is a `Crime of 
Violence' or a `Controlled Substance Offense'.--The `categorical 
approach' and `modified categorical approach' adopted by the Supreme 
Court in the context of certain statutory provisions (e.g., 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  924(e)) do not apply in the determination of whether a conviction 
is a `crime of violence' or a `controlled substance offense,' as set 
forth below. See Background Commentary.
    (A) Conduct-Based Inquiry.--Section 4B1.1 (Career Offender) 
expressly provides that the instant and prior offenses must be crimes 
of violence or controlled substance offenses of which the defendant was 
convicted. In determining whether the defendant was convicted of a 
`crime of violence' or a `controlled substance offense,' the court 
shall consider the conduct that formed the basis of the conviction, 
i.e., only the conduct that met one or more elements of the offense of 
conviction or that was an alternative means of meeting any such 
element.
    (B) Sources to be Considered.--In determining the conduct that 
formed the basis of the conviction, the court shall look only to the 
statute of conviction and the following sources--
    (i) The charging document.
    (ii) The jury instructions, in a case tried to a jury; the judge's 
formal rulings of law or findings of fact, in a case tried to a judge 
alone; or, in a case resolved by a guilty plea, the plea agreement or 
transcript of colloquy between judge and defendant in which the factual 
basis of the guilty plea was confirmed by the defendant.
    (iii) Any explicit factual finding by the trial judge to which the 
defendant assented.
    (iv) Any comparable judicial record of the information described in 
subparagraphs (i) through (iii).
    (C) Definitions of Enumerated Offenses.--In determining whether the 
conduct that formed the basis of the conviction constitutes one of the 
enumerated offenses in subsection (a)(2), use the definition of the 
enumerated offense provided in Application Note 1. If no definition is 
provided, use the contemporary, generic definition of the enumerated 
offense.''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``Background: Section 4B1.2 provides the definitions for the terms 
`crime of violence,' `controlled substance offense,' and `two prior 
felony convictions' used in Sec.  4B1.1 (Career Offender). To determine 
if a conviction meets the definitions of `crime of violence' and 
`controlled substance offense' in Sec.  4B1.2, courts have typically 
used the categorical approach and the modified categorical approach, as 
set forth in Supreme Court jurisprudence. See, e.g., Taylor v. United 
States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990); Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13 
(2005); Descamps v. United States, 570 U.S. 254 (2013); Mathis v. 
United States, 136 S. Ct. 2243 (2016). These Supreme Court cases, 
however, involved statutory provisions (e.g., 18 U.S.C. Sec.  924(e)) 
rather than guideline provisions. Even though courts have applied the 
categorical approach and the modified categorical approach to guideline 
provisions, neither 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(h) nor the guidelines require 
such a limited analysis for determining whether an offense is a `crime 
of violence' or a `controlled substance offense' for purposes of Sec.  
4B1.1. Section 4B1.2 and Application Note 2 make clear that the 
categorical approach and modified categorical approach do not apply 
when a court determines whether a defendant's conviction qualifies as a 
`crime of violence' or a `controlled substance offense' under the 
career offender guideline. In addition, the court is permitted to 
consider a wider range of sources from the judicial record in 
determining whether a prior conviction qualifies as a `crime of 
violence' or a `controlled substance offense.'''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 2--
    in the paragraph that begins ```Crime of violence' means'' by 
striking ``any of the following offenses under federal, state, or local 
law:'' and inserting ``an offense under federal, state, or local law 
that constituted'', and by striking ``, or any other offense under 
federal, state, or local law that has as an element'' and inserting ``; 
or any other offense under federal, state, or local law that has as an 
element or alternative means for meeting an element'';
    and in the paragraph that begins ```Drug trafficking offense' 
means'' by striking ``an offense under federal, state, or local law 
that prohibits'' and

[[Page 65410]]

inserting ``an offense under federal, state, or local law that has as 
an element or alternative means for meeting an element'';
    by redesignating Notes 6, 7, and 8 as Notes 7, 8, and 9, 
respectively;
    and by inserting the following new Note 6:
    ``6. Procedure for Determining Whether a Prior Conviction is a 
`Crime of Violence' or a `Drug Trafficking Offense'.--The `categorical 
approach' and `modified categorical approach' adopted by the Supreme 
Court in the context of certain statutory provisions (e.g., 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  924(e)) do not apply in the determination of whether a conviction 
is a `crime of violence' or a `drug trafficking offense,' as set forth 
below. See Background Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms 
Used in Section 4B1.1).
    (A) Conduct-Based Inquiry.--In determining whether the defendant 
was convicted of a `crime of violence' or a `drug trafficking offense' 
for the purposes of subsections (b)(2)(E) and (b)(3)(E), the court 
shall take into account the conduct that formed the basis of the 
conviction, i.e., only the conduct that met one or more elements of the 
offense of conviction or that was an alternative means of meeting any 
such element.
    (B) Sources to be Considered.--In determining the conduct that 
formed the basis of the conviction, the court shall look only to the 
statute of conviction and the following sources--
    (i) The charging document.
    (ii) The jury instructions, in a case tried to a jury; the judge's 
formal rulings of law or findings of fact, in a case tried to a judge 
alone; or, in a case resolved by a guilty plea, the plea agreement or 
transcript of colloquy between judge and defendant in which the factual 
basis of the guilty plea was confirmed by the defendant.
    (iii) Any explicit factual finding by the trial judge to which the 
defendant assented.
    (iv) Any comparable judicial record of the information described in 
subparagraphs (i) through (iii).
    (C) Definitions of Enumerated Offenses.--In determining whether the 
conduct that formed the basis of the conviction constituted one of the 
enumerated offenses in the definition of `crime of violence,' use the 
definition of the enumerated offense provided. If no definition is 
provided, use the contemporary, generic definition of the enumerated 
offense.''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2K1.3 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 2--
    in the paragraph that begins `` `Controlled substance offense' has 
the meaning'' by striking ``has the meaning given that term in Sec.  
4B1.2(b) and Application Note 1 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'' and inserting ``means a 
`controlled substance offense' as defined and determined in accordance 
with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'';
    and in the paragraph that begins `` `crime of violence' has the 
meaning'' by striking ``has the meaning given that term in Sec.  
4B1.2(a) and Application Note 1 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2'' and 
inserting ``means a `crime of violence' as defined and determined in 
accordance with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 
4B1.1)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2K2.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 1--
    in the paragraph that begins `` `Controlled substance offense' has 
the meaning'' by striking ``has the meaning given that term in Sec.  
4B1.2(b) and Application Note 1 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'' and inserting ``means a 
`controlled substance offense' as defined and determined in accordance 
with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'';
    and in the paragraph that begins `` `Crime of violence' has the 
meaning'' by striking ``has the meaning given that term in Sec.  
4B1.2(a) and Application Note 1 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2'' and 
inserting ``means a `crime of violence' as defined and determined in 
accordance with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 
4B1.1)'';
    and in Note 13(B) by striking ``have the meaning given those terms 
in Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'' and 
inserting ``mean a `crime of violence' and a `controlled substance 
offense' as defined and determined in accordance with Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2S1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 1, in the paragraph that begins `` `Crime of violence' 
has the meaning'', by striking ``has the meaning given that term in 
subsection (a)(1) of Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 
4B1.1)'' and inserting ``means a `crime of violence' as defined in 
subsection (a)(1) of Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 
4B1.1), regardless of whether such offense resulted in a conviction''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  4A1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 5 by striking ``has the meaning given that term in 
Sec.  4B1.2(a)'' and inserting ``means a `crime of violence' as defined 
and determined in accordance with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms 
Used in Section 4B1.1)''.
    Section 4A1.2(p) is amended by striking ``the definition of `crime 
of violence' is that set forth in Sec.  4B1.2(a)'' and inserting 
```crime of violence' means a `crime of violence' as defined and 
determined in accordance with Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in 
Section 4B1.1)''.
    Section 4B1.4 is amended--
    in subsection (b)(3)(A) by striking ``in connection with either a 
crime of violence, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(a), or a controlled 
substance offense, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(b)'' and inserting ``in 
connection with either a crime of violence, as defined in Sec.  
4B1.2(a) (regardless of whether such offense resulted in a conviction), 
or a controlled substance offense, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(b) 
(regardless of whether such offense resulted in a conviction)'';
    and in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``in connection with either a 
crime of violence, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(a), or a controlled 
substance offense, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(b)'' and inserting ``in 
connection with either a crime of violence, as defined in Sec.  
4B1.2(a) (regardless of whether such offense resulted in a conviction), 
or a controlled substance offense, as defined in Sec.  4B1.2(b) 
(regardless of whether such offense resulted in a conviction)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  5K2.17 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 1 by striking ``are defined in Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions 
of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1)'' and inserting ``mean a `crime of 
violence' and a `controlled substance offense' as defined in 
subsections (a) and (b) of Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in 
Section 4B1.1), regardless of whether such offense resulted in a 
conviction''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  7B1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 2 by striking ``is defined in Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of 
Terms Used in Section 4B1.1). See Sec.  4B1.2(a) and Application Note 1 
of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2'' and inserting ``means a `crime of 
violence' as defined in subsection (a) of Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of 
Terms Used in Section 4B1.1), regardless of whether such conduct 
resulted in a conviction'';
    and in Note 3 by striking ``is defined in Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions 
of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1). See Sec.  4B1.2(b) and Application 
Note 1 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2'' and inserting ``means a 
`controlled substance offense' as defined in subsection (b) of Sec.  
4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1),

[[Page 65411]]

regardless of whether such conduct resulted in a conviction''.
    Issues for Comment:
    1. Part A of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) to provide that the 
``categorical approach'' and ``modified categorical approach,'' as set 
forth in Supreme Court jurisprudence for certain statutory provisions, 
do not apply in determining whether a conviction is a ``crime of 
violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense'' for purposes of the 
guidelines. As indicated above, courts have applied the categorical 
approach and the modified categorical approach to guideline provisions, 
even though the guidelines do not expressly require such an analysis. 
The Commission invites comment on whether Part A of the proposed 
amendment is consistent with the Commission's authority under 28 U.S.C. 
Sec.  994(a)-(f), (h).
    2. Part A of the proposed amendment would allow courts to look to 
the documents expressly approved in Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 
575 (1990), and Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13 (2005), in 
determining the conduct that formed the basis of the offense of 
conviction.
    The Commission seeks comment on whether additional or different 
guidance should be provided. If so, what additional or different 
guidance should the Commission provide? For example, should the 
Commission provide a specific set of factors to assess the reliability 
of a source of information, such as whether the document came out of 
the adversarial process, was accepted by both parties, or was made by 
an impartial third party? If so, what factors should the Commission 
provide? Should the Commission list specific sources or types of 
sources that courts may consider, in addition to the sources expressly 
approved in Taylor and Shepard (i.e., the Shepard documents)? If so, 
what documents or types of information should be included in this list? 
Are there any documents or types of information that should be 
expressly excluded? If so, what documents or types of information 
should be excluded? Should the Commission broaden the range of sources 
courts may look at, in addition to the Shepard documents, by providing 
that courts may also consider any uncontradicted, internally consistent 
parts of the judicial record from the prior conviction?
    3. Currently, Sec.  4B1.2 provides definitions for only two of the 
enumerated offenses contained in the ``crime of violence'' definition 
(i.e., ``forcible sex offense'' and ``extortion''). For the other 
enumerated offenses, the proposed amendment provides that courts should 
use the contemporary, generic definition of the enumerated offense. 
Should the Commission instead set forth specific definitions for all 
enumerated offenses covered by the guideline? If so, what definitions 
would be appropriate for purposes of the career offender guideline? For 
example, should the Commission provide definitions derived from broad 
contemporary, generic definitions of the enumerated offenses? What 
offenses should be covered by any potential definition of the 
enumerated offenses? What offenses should be excluded from any 
potential definition?

(B) Meaning of ``Robbery''

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: In 2016, the Commission amended 
Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) to, among 
other things, delete the ``residual clause'' and revise the 
``enumerated offenses clause'' by moving enumerated offenses that were 
previously listed in the commentary to the guideline itself. See USSG, 
App. C, Amendment 798 (effective Aug. 1, 2016). The ``enumerated 
offenses clause'' identifies specific offenses that qualify as crimes 
of violence. Although the guideline relies on existing case law for 
purposes of defining most enumerated offenses, the amendment added to 
the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 definitions for two of the enumerated 
offenses: ``forcible sex offense'' and ``extortion.''
    ``Extortion'' is defined as ``obtaining something of value from 
another by the wrongful use of (A) force, (B) fear of physical injury, 
or (C) threat of physical injury.'' Under case law existing at the time 
of the amendment, courts generally defined extortion as ``obtaining 
something of value from another with his consent induced by the 
wrongful use of force, fear, or threats,'' based on the Supreme Court's 
holding in United States v. Nardello, 393 U.S. 286, 290 (1969) 
(defining ``extortion'' for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1952). However, 
consistent with the Commission's goal of focusing the career offender 
and related enhancements on the most dangerous offenders, the amendment 
narrowed the generic definition of extortion by limiting it to offenses 
having an element of force or an element of fear or threats ``of 
physical injury,'' as opposed to non-violent threats such as injury to 
reputation.
    In its annual letter to the Commission, the Department of Justice 
expressed concern that courts have held that certain robbery offenses, 
such as Hobbs Act robbery, no longer constitute a ``crime of violence'' 
under the guideline as amended in 2016 because the statute of 
conviction does not fit either the generic definition of ``robbery'' or 
the new guideline definition of ``extortion.'' See Annual Letter from 
the Department of Justice to the Commission (Aug. 10, 2018), at https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/amendment-process/public-comment/20180810/DOJ.pdf. The Hobbs Act defines the term ``robbery'' as ``the 
unlawful taking or obtaining of personal property from the person or in 
the presence of another, against his will, by means of actual or 
threatened force, or violence, or fear of injury, immediate or future, 
to his person or property . . . . '' 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1) 
(emphasis added). At least two circuits--the Ninth and Tenth Circuits--
have found ambiguity as to whether the guideline definition of 
extortion includes injury to property, and (under the rule of lenity) 
both circuits have interpreted the new definition as excluding prior 
convictions where the statute encompasses injury to property offenses, 
such as Hobbs Act robbery. See, e.g., United States v. O'Connor, 874 
F.3d 1147 (10th Cir. 2017) (Hobbs Act robbery); United States v. 
Edling, 895 F.3d 1153 (9th Cir. 2018) (Nevada robbery).
    Part B of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 to address 
this issue. Three options are provided.
    Option 1 would amend the enumerated offenses clause at Sec.  
4B1.2(a)(2) to add a parenthetical annotation that robbery, as listed, 
is ``robbery (as described in 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1)).'' Section 
1951(b)(1) provides the Hobbs Act definition of ``robbery.''
    Option 2 would amend the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 to add a 
definition of ``robbery'' for purposes of the career offender 
guideline. The definition would mirror the ``robbery'' definition at 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1). Specifically, it would provide that 
``robbery'' is ``the unlawful taking or obtaining of personal property 
from the person or in the presence of another, against his will, by 
means of actual or threatened force, or violence, or fear of injury, 
immediate or future, to his person or property, or property in his 
custody or possession, or the person or property of a relative or 
member of his family or of anyone in his company at the time of the 
taking or obtaining.'' Option 2 also brackets a provision defining the 
phrase ``actual or threatened force,'' for purposes of the ``robbery'' 
definition, as ``minimal force that is sufficient to compel a person to 
part with personal property.''

[[Page 65412]]

    Option 3, similar to Option 2, would amend the Commentary to Sec.  
4B1.2 to add a definition of ``robbery'' that mirrors the ``robbery'' 
definition at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1). However, Option 3 brackets a 
different alternative for defining the phrase ``actual or threatened 
force.'' It would provide that such phrase refers to ``force that is 
sufficient to overcome a person's physical resistance or physical power 
of resistance.''
    In addition, Part B of the proposed amendment includes conforming 
changes to the definition of ``crime of violence'' in the Commentary to 
Sec.  2L1.2 (Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in the United States). 
The changes are presented in accordance with the options described 
above.
    Issues for comment are also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    [Option 1:
    Section 4B1.2(a)(2) is amended by striking ``robbery'' and 
inserting ``robbery (as described in 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1))''.]
    [Option 2:
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph that begins `` 
`Forcible sex offense' includes'' the following new paragraph:
    `` `Robbery' is the unlawful taking or obtaining of personal 
property from the person or in the presence of another, against his 
will, by means of actual or threatened force, or violence, or fear of 
injury, immediate or future, to his person or property, or property in 
his custody or possession, or the person or property of a relative or 
member of his family or of anyone in his company at the time of the 
taking or obtaining. [The phrase ``actual or threatened force'' refers 
to minimal force that is sufficient to compel a person to part with 
personal property.]''.]
    [Option 3:
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 1 by inserting after the paragraph that begins `` 
`Forcible sex offense' includes'' the following new paragraph:
    `` `Robbery' is the unlawful taking or obtaining of personal 
property from the person or in the presence of another, against his 
will, by means of actual or threatened force, or violence, or fear of 
injury, immediate or future, to his person or property, or property in 
his custody or possession, or the person or property of a relative or 
member of his family or of anyone in his company at the time of the 
taking or obtaining. [The phrase ``actual or threatened force'' refers 
to force that is sufficient to overcome a person's physical resistance 
or physical power of resistance.]''.]
    The Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 2, in the paragraph that begins ```Crime of violence' 
means''--
    [Option 1:
    by striking ``robbery'' and inserting ``robbery (as described in 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1))''.]
    [Option 2:
    by inserting after ``territorial jurisdiction of the United 
States.'' the following: `` `Robbery' is the unlawful taking or 
obtaining of personal property from the person or in the presence of 
another, against his will, by means of actual or threatened force, or 
violence, or fear of injury, immediate or future, to his person or 
property, or property in his custody or possession, or the person or 
property of a relative or member of his family or of anyone in his 
company at the time of the taking or obtaining. [The phrase ``actual or 
threatened force'' refers to minimal force that is sufficient to compel 
a person to part with personal property.]''.]
    [Option 3:
    by inserting after ``territorial jurisdiction of the United 
States.'' the following: `` `Robbery' is the unlawful taking or 
obtaining of personal property from the person or in the presence of 
another, against his will, by means of actual or threatened force, or 
violence, or fear of injury, immediate or future, to his person or 
property, or property in his custody or possession, or the person or 
property of a relative or member of his family or of anyone in his 
company at the time of the taking or obtaining. [The phrase ``actual or 
threatened force'' refers to force that is sufficient to overcome a 
person's physical resistance or physical power of resistance.]''.]
    Issues for Comment:
    1. Options 1, 2, and 3 in Part B of the proposed amendment would 
have ``robbery,'' as listed in subsection (a)(2) of Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) and Sec.  2L1.2 
(Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in the United States), either 
reference or mirror the Hobbs Act definition of ``robbery'' at 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  1951(b)(1). The Commission seeks comment generally on 
whether the proposed definition of ``robbery'' is appropriate. Are 
there robbery offenses that are covered by the proposed definition but 
should not be? Are there robbery offenses that are not covered by the 
proposed definition but should be?
    2. The Hobbs Act definition of ``robbery'' at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
1951(b)(1) includes the phrase ``actual or threated force'' as part of 
the elements of the offense. The Commission seeks comment on how the 
phrase ``actual or threatened force'' has been defined by case law for 
purposes of the Hobbs Act definition of ``robbery'' at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
1951(b)(1). What level of force have courts determined is required for 
purposes of Hobbs Act robbery cases? Have courts interpreted the level 
of force required in such cases to be ``violent force,'' as defined in 
Johnson v. United States, 559 U.S. 133, 140 (2010)? Have courts 
determined that Hobbs Act robbery could encompass conduct that falls 
below the level of ``violent force''? If so, what level of force have 
courts specified?
    Options 2 and 3 of the proposed amendment bracket two alternatives 
for defining the phrase ``actual or threatened force,'' for purposes of 
the proposed ``robbery'' definition. Option 2 would provide that the 
phrase ``actual or threatened force'' refers to ``minimal force that is 
sufficient to compel a person to part with personal property.'' Option 
3 would provide that such phrase refers to ``force that is sufficient 
to overcome a person's physical resistance or physical power of 
resistance.'' The Commission seeks comment on whether either of these 
two alternatives is appropriate for purposes of the proposed 
``robbery'' definition. Are there robbery offenses that would be 
covered by defining ``actual or threatened force'' in any such way but 
should not be? Are there robbery offenses that would not be covered but 
should be? If none of the bracketed alternatives is appropriate for 
purposes of the proposed ``robbery'' definition, how should the 
Commission define the phrase ``actual or threatened force''? What level 
of force should the Commission specify as part of the proposed 
``robbery'' definition?

(C) Inchoate Offenses

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: The career offender guideline 
includes convictions for inchoate offenses and offenses arising from 
accomplice liability, such as aiding and abetting, conspiring to 
commit, and attempting to commit a ``crime of violence'' and a 
``controlled substance offense.'' See USSG Sec.  4B1.2, comment. (n.1). 
In the original 1987 Guidelines Manual, these offenses were included 
only in the definition of ``controlled substance offense.'' See USSG 
Sec.  4B1.2, comment. (n.2) (effective Nov. 1, 1987). In 1989, the 
Commission amended the guideline to provide that both definitions--
``crime of violence'' and ``controlled substance offense''--include the 
offenses of aiding and abetting, conspiracy, and attempt to commit such 
crimes. See USSG App. C, Amendment 268 (effective Nov. 1, 1989).
    In its annual letter to the Commission, the Department of Justice 
has suggested

[[Page 65413]]

that application issues have arisen regarding whether certain 
conspiracy offenses qualify under the career offender guideline as a 
``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense.'' See Annual 
Letter from the Department of Justice to the Commission (Aug. 10, 
2018), at https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/amendment-process/public-comment/20180810/DOJ.pdf. In making this determination, 
some courts have employed a two-step analysis, first comparing the 
substantive offense to its generic definition, and then separately 
comparing the inchoate offense involving that substantive offense to 
the generic definition of the specific inchoate offense. In comparing 
conspiracy to commit an offense to the generic definition of 
``conspiracy,'' some courts have concluded that because the generic 
definition of conspiracy requires an overt act, federal and state 
conspiracy statutes that do not require an overt act categorically do 
not qualify as a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance 
offense.'' See, e.g., United States v. McCollum, 885 F.3d 300, 303 (4th 
Cir. 2018).
    In addition, another issue has been brought to the Commission's 
attention. Case law has long held that ``commentary in the Guidelines 
Manual that interprets or explains a guideline is authoritative unless 
it violates the Constitution or a federal statute, or is inconsistent 
with, or a plainly erroneous reading of, that guideline.'' Stinson v. 
United States, 508 U.S. 36, 38 (1993); see also USSG Sec.  1B1.7. Most 
circuits have held that the definitions of ``crime of violence'' and 
``controlled substance offense'' at Sec.  4B1.2 include the offenses of 
aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit, and attempt to commit such 
crimes, in accordance with the commentary to the guideline. See, e.g., 
United States v. Nieves-Borrero, 856 F.3d 5 (1st Cir. 2017); United 
States v. Jackson, 60 F.3d 128 (2d Cir. 1995); United States v. Dozier, 
848 F.3d 180 (4th Cir. 2017); United States v. Guerra, 962 F.2d 484 
(5th Cir. 1992); United States v. Evans, 699 F.3d 858 (6th Cir. 2012); 
United States v. Tate, 822 F.3d 370 (7th Cir. 2016); United States v. 
Mendoza-Figueroa, 65 F.3d 691 (8th Cir. 1995); United States v. Sarbia, 
367 F.3d 1079 (9th Cir. 2004); United States v. McKibbon, 878 F.3d 967 
(10th Cir. 2017); United States v. Lange, 862 F.3d 1290 (11th Cir. 
2017). However, a recent decision from the D.C. Circuit concluded 
otherwise for purposes of the ``controlled substance offense'' 
definition. See United States v. Winstead, 890 F.3d 1082, 1091 (D.C. 
Cir. May 25, 2018) (``Section 4B1.2(b) presents a very detailed 
`definition' of controlled substance offense that clearly excludes 
inchoate offenses.'').
    Part C of the proposed amendment would address these issues by 
amending Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) and 
its commentary. As indicated above, the commentary that accompanies the 
guidelines is authoritative and failure to follow the commentary would 
constitute an incorrect application of the guidelines, subjecting the 
sentence imposed to possible reversal on appeal. See 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
3742. However, the Commission proposes to move the inchoate offenses 
provision from the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 to the guideline itself as 
a new subsection (c) to alleviate any confusion and uncertainty 
resulting from the D.C. Circuit's decision.
    In addition to moving the inchoate offenses provision from the 
Commentary to the guideline, Part C of the proposed amendment would 
revise the provision to provide that the terms ``crime of violence'' 
and ``controlled substance offense'' include the offenses of aiding and 
abetting, attempting to commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring 
to commit any such offense, or any other inchoate offense or offense 
arising from accomplice liability involving a ``crime of violence'' or 
a ``controlled substance offense.'' Three options are provided to 
address the other issues brought by the Department of Justice in 
different ways.
    Option 1 would address the conspiracy issue in a comprehensive 
manner that would be applicable to all other inchoate offenses and 
offenses arising from accomplice liability. It would eliminate the need 
for the two-step analysis discussed above by adding the following to 
the new subsection (c): ``To determine whether any offense described 
above qualifies as a `crime of violence' or `controlled substance 
offense,' the court shall only determine whether the underlying 
substantive offense is a `crime of violence' or a `controlled substance 
offense,' and shall not consider the elements of the inchoate offense 
or offense arising from accomplice liability.''
    Option 2, similar to Option 1, would eliminate the need for the 
two-step analysis generally by providing that to determine whether an 
inchoate offense or an offense arising from accomplice liability 
qualifies as a ``crime of violence'' or ``controlled substance 
offense,'' the court shall only determine whether the underlying 
substantive offense is a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled 
substance offense,'' and shall not consider the elements of the 
inchoate offense or offense arising from accomplice liability. However, 
Option 2 sets forth two suboptions to address conspiracy offenses. 
Suboption 2A would provide that an offense of conspiring to commit a 
``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense'' qualifies 
as a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense'' only 
if the underlying substantive offense is a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense'' and an overt act must be proved as an 
element of the conspiracy offense. Suboption 2B treats ``crime of 
violence'' and ``controlled substance offense'' differently with 
respect to conspiracy offenses. It would eliminate the need for the 
two-step analysis for an offense of conspiring to commit a ``crime of 
violence,'' but it would provide that an offense of conspiring to 
commit a ``controlled substance offense'' qualifies as a ``controlled 
substance offense'' only if the underlying substantive offense is a 
``controlled substance offense'' and an overt act must be proved as an 
element of the conspiracy offense.
    Option 3 would take a narrower approach, addressing only the 
conspiracy issue, and not adding language to subsection (c) eliminating 
the two-step analysis described above. Option 3 would amend the 
commentary to add an application note relating to offenses of 
conspiring to commit a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled 
substance offense.'' It sets forth two suboptions. Suboption 3A treats 
offenses of conspiring to commit a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense'' the same way but brackets two possible 
alternatives for the overt-act issue. It provides that an offense of 
conspiring to commit a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled 
substance offense'' qualifies as a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense,'' [regardless of whether] [only if] an 
overt act must be proved as an element of the conspiracy offense. 
Suboption 3B treats ``crime of violence'' and ``controlled substance 
offense'' differently with respect to conspiracy offenses. It provides 
that an offense of conspiring to commit a ``crime of violence'' 
qualifies as a ``crime of violence,'' regardless of whether an overt 
act must be proved as an element of the conspiracy offense; however, an 
offense of conspiring to commit a ``controlled substance offense'' 
qualifies as a ``controlled substance offense'' only if an overt act 
must be proved as an element of the conspiracy offense.
    Issues for comment are also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:

[[Page 65414]]

    Section 4B1.2 is amended by redesignating subsection (c) as 
subsection (d), and inserting the following new subsection (c):
    [Option 1 (which also includes changes to the commentary):
    ``(c) The terms `crime of violence' and `controlled substance 
offense' include the offenses of aiding and abetting, attempting to 
commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring to commit any such 
offense, or any other inchoate offense or offense arising from 
accomplice liability involving a `crime of violence' or a `controlled 
substance offense.' To determine whether any offense described above 
qualifies as a `crime of violence' or `controlled substance offense,' 
the court shall only determine whether the underlying substantive 
offense is a `crime of violence' or a `controlled substance offense,' 
and shall not consider the elements of the inchoate offense or offense 
arising from accomplice liability.''.]
    [Option 2 (which also includes changes to the commentary):
    [Suboption 2A:
    ``(c) The terms `crime of violence' and `controlled substance 
offense' include the offenses of aiding and abetting, attempting to 
commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring to commit any such 
offense, or any other inchoate offense or offense arising from 
accomplice liability involving a `crime of violence' or a `controlled 
substance offense.' To determine whether any offense described above 
qualifies as a `crime of violence' or `controlled substance offense,' 
except for an offense of conspiring to commit a `crime of violence' or 
`controlled substance offense,' the court shall only determine whether 
the underlying substantive offense is a `crime of violence' or a 
`controlled substance offense,' and shall not consider the elements of 
the inchoate offense or offense arising from accomplice liability.
    An offense of conspiring to commit a `crime of violence' or a 
`controlled substance offense,' however, qualifies as a `crime of 
violence' or a `controlled substance offense' only if the underlying 
substantive offense is a `crime of violence' or a `controlled substance 
offense' and an overt act must be proved as an element of the 
conspiracy offense.''.]
    [Suboption 2B:
    ``(c) The terms `crime of violence' and `controlled substance 
offense' include the offenses of aiding and abetting, attempting to 
commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring to commit any such 
offense, or any other inchoate offense or offense arising from 
accomplice liability involving a `crime of violence' or a `controlled 
substance offense.' To determine whether any offense described above 
qualifies as a `crime of violence' or `controlled substance offense,' 
except for an offense of conspiring to commit a `controlled substance 
offense,' the court shall only determine whether the underlying 
substantive offense is a `crime of violence' or a `controlled substance 
offense,' and shall not consider the elements of the inchoate offense 
or offense arising from accomplice liability.
    An offense of conspiring to commit a `controlled substance 
offense,' however, qualifies as a `controlled substance offense' only 
if the underlying substantive offense is a `controlled substance 
offense' and an overt act must be proved as an element of the 
conspiracy offense.''.]]
    [Option 3 (which also includes changes to the commentary):
    ``(c) The terms `crime of violence' and `controlled substance 
offense' include the offenses of aiding and abetting, attempting to 
commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring to commit any such 
offense, or any other inchoate offense or offense arising from 
accomplice liability involving a `crime of violence' or a `controlled 
substance offense.' ''.]
    [Options 1, 2, and 3 (continued):
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended in Note 1 by striking the following `` `Crime of violence' and 
`controlled substance offense' include the offenses of aiding and 
abetting, conspiring, and attempting to commit such offenses.''; and in 
the paragraph that begins ``A violation of 18 U.S.C.Sec.  924 (c) or 
Sec.  929(a)'' by striking ``was a `crime of violence' or a `controlled 
substance offense'.'' and inserting ``was a `crime of violence' or a 
`controlled substance offense.' ''.]
    [Option 3 (continued):
    The Commentary to Sec.  4B1.2 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
further amended by redesignating Notes 3 and 4 as Notes 4 and 5, 
respectively, and inserting the following new Note 3:
    [Suboption 3A:
    ``3. Application of Subsection (c).--For purposes of subsection 
(c), an offense of conspiring to commit a `crime of violence' or a 
`controlled substance offense' qualifies as a `crime of violence' or a 
`controlled substance offense,' [regardless of whether][only if] an 
overt act must be proved as an element of the conspiracy offense.''.]
    [Suboption 3B:
    ``3. Application of Subsection (c).--For purposes of subsection 
(c), an offense of conspiring to commit a `crime of violence' qualifies 
as a `crime of violence,' regardless of whether an overt act must be 
proved as an element of the conspiracy offense. An offense of 
conspiring to commit a `controlled substance offense,' however, 
qualifies as a `controlled substance offense' only if an overt act must 
be proved as an element of the conspiracy offense.''.] ]
    Issues for Comment:
    1. As indicated above, in determining whether an inchoate offense 
is a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense,'' some 
courts have employed a two-step analysis. First, courts compare the 
substantive offense to its generic definition to determine whether it 
is ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense.'' Then, 
these courts make a second and separate analysis comparing the inchoate 
offense involving that substantive offense to the generic definition of 
the specific inchoate offense. To promote clarity and consistency in 
the application of the career offender guideline, Option 1 of Part C of 
the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  4B1.2 (Definitions of Terms 
Used in Section 4B1.1) to clarify that the offenses of aiding and 
abetting, attempting to commit, [soliciting to commit,] or conspiring 
to commit a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance 
offense,'' or any other inchoate offense or offense arising from 
accomplice liability involving a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense'' are a ``crime of violence'' or a 
``controlled substance offense'' if the substantive offense is a 
``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense.''
    The Commission seeks comment on whether the guidelines should be 
amended to make this clarification. Should the guidelines adopt a 
different approach for these types of offenses? If so, what should that 
different approach be? For example, should the Commission require the 
courts to use a two-step analysis in determining whether an inchoate 
offense is a ``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance 
offense''? Should the Commission require courts to use a two-step 
analysis for an inchoate offense involving a ``controlled substance 
offense'' but provide that an inchoate offense involving a ``crime of 
violence'' is always a ``crime of violence'' if the substantive offense 
is a ``crime of violence''?
    2. The Commission seeks comment on how the guidelines definitions 
of ``crime of violence'' and ``controlled substance offense'' should 
address the offenses of aiding and abetting, attempting to commit, 
soliciting to commit, or conspiring to commit a ``crime of

[[Page 65415]]

violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense,'' or any other inchoate 
offense or offense arising from accomplice liability involving a 
``crime of violence'' or a ``controlled substance offense.'' 
Specifically, should the Commission promulgate any of the options 
provided above? Should the Commission provide additional requirements 
or guidance to address these types of offenses? What additional 
requirements or guidance, if any, should the Commission provide?

(D) Definition of ``Controlled Substance Offense''

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Subsection (b) of Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) defines a ``controlled 
substance offense'' as an offense that prohibits ``the manufacture, 
import, export, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance 
(or counterfeit substance) or the possession of a controlled substance 
(or a counterfeit substance) with intent to manufacture, import, 
export, distribute, or dispense.''
    In its annual letter to the Commission, the Department of Justice 
has raised a concern that courts have held that state drug statutes 
that include an offense involving an ``offer to sell'' a controlled 
substance do not qualify as a ``controlled substance offense'' under 
Sec.  4B1.2(b) because such statutes encompass conduct that is broader 
than Sec.  4B1.2(b)'s definition of a ``controlled substance offense.'' 
See Annual Letter from the Department of Justice to the Commission 
(Aug. 10, 2018), at https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/amendment-process/public-comment/20180810/DOJ.pdf. The Commission 
previously addressed a similar issue regarding the definition of a 
``drug trafficking offense'' in the illegal reentry guideline at Sec.  
2L1.2 (Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in the United States). In 2008, 
the Commission amended the Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2 to clarify that an 
offer to sell a controlled substance is a ``drug trafficking offense'' 
for purposes of that guideline, by adding ``offer to sell'' to the 
conduct listed in the definition of ``drug trafficking offense.'' See 
USSG App. C, Amendment 722 (effective Nov. 1, 2008). In 2016, the 
Commission comprehensively revised Sec.  2L1.2. Among the changes made, 
the Commission amended the definition of ``crime of violence'' in the 
Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2 to conform it to the definition in Sec.  
4B1.2, but the Commission did not make changes to the ``drug 
trafficking offense'' definition in the Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2.
    The career offender directive at 28 U.S.C. Sec.  994(h) directed 
the Commission to assure that ``the guidelines specify a term of 
imprisonment at or near the maximum term authorized'' for offenders who 
are 18 years or older and have been convicted of a felony that is, and 
also have previously been convicted of two or more felonies that are, a 
``crime of violence'' or ``an offense described in section 401 of the 
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841), sections 1002(a), 1005, and 
1009 of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 
952(a), 955, and 959), and chapter 705 of title 46.'' Until 2016, the 
only substantive criminal offense included in ``chapter 705 of title 
46'' was codified in section 70503(a) and read as follows:
    An individual may not knowingly or intentionally manufacture or 
distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, a 
controlled substance on board--
    (1) a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the 
jurisdiction of the United States; or
    (2) any vessel if the individual is a citizen of the United States 
or a resident alien of the United States.
    46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a) (2012). Section 70506(b) provided that a 
person attempting or conspiring to violate section 70503 was subject to 
the same penalties as provided for violating section 70503.
    In 2016, Congress enacted the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
2015, Pub. L. 114-120 (2016), amending, among other things, Chapter 705 
of Title 46. Specifically, Congress revised section 70503(a) as 
follows:
    While on board a covered vessel, an individual may not knowingly or 
intentionally--
    (1) manufacture or distribute, or possess with intent to 
manufacture or distribute, a controlled substance;
    (2) destroy (including jettisoning any item or scuttling, burning, 
or hastily cleaning a vessel), or attempt or conspire to destroy, 
property that is subject to forfeiture under section 511(a) of the 
Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 
881(a)); or
    (3) conceal, or attempt or conspire to conceal, more than $100,000 
in currency or other monetary instruments on the person of such 
individual or in any conveyance, article of luggage, merchandise, or 
other container, or compartment of or aboard the covered vessel if that 
vessel is outfitted for smuggling.
    46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a). Section 70506(b) remained unchanged. The 
Act added two new offenses to section 70503(a), in subparagraphs (2) 
and (3). Accordingly, ``chapter 705 of title 46,'' as referenced in 28 
U.S.C. Sec.  994(h), was also amended. However, these two new offenses 
may not be covered by the current definition of ``controlled substance 
offense'' in Sec.  4B1.2.
    Part D of the proposed amendment would amend the definition of 
``controlled substance offense'' in Sec.  4B1.2(b) to address these 
issues. First, it would amend the definition to include offenses 
involving an offer to sell a controlled substance, which would align it 
with the current definition of ``drug trafficking offense'' in the 
Commentary to Sec.  2L1.2. Second, it would revise the ``controlled 
substance offense'' definition to also include ``an offense described 
in 46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a) or Sec.  70506(b).''
    An issue for comment is also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Section 4B1.2(b) is amended by striking the following:
    ``The term `controlled substance offense' means an offense under 
federal or state law, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 
one year, that prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, 
or dispensing of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) or 
the possession of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) 
with intent to manufacture, import, export, distribute, or dispense.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``The term `controlled substance offense' means an offense under 
federal or state law, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 
one year, that--
    (1) prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, or 
dispensing of, or offer to sell a controlled substance (or a 
counterfeit substance) or the possession of a controlled substance (or 
a counterfeit substance) with intent to manufacture, import, export, 
distribute, or dispense; or
    (2) is an offense described in 46 U.S.C. Sec.  70503(a) or Sec.  
70506(b).''.
    Issue for Comment:
    1. Part D of the proposed amendment would amend the definition of 
``controlled substance offense'' in subsection (b) of Sec.  4B1.2 
(Definitions of Terms Used in Section 4B1.1) to include offenses 
involving an offer to sell a controlled substance. The Commission seeks 
comment on the extent to which such offenses should be included as 
``controlled substance offenses'' for purposes of the career offender 
guideline. Are there other drug offenses that are not included under 
this definition, but should be? For example, should the Commission 
expressly include as part of the definition offenses

[[Page 65416]]

involving the transportation of controlled substances?
    If the Commission were to amend the definition of ``controlled 
substance offense'' in Sec.  4B1.2(b) to include other drug offenses, 
in addition to offenses involving an offer to sell a controlled 
substance, should the Commission revise the definition of ``controlled 
substance offense'' at Sec.  2L1.2 (Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in 
the United States) to conform it to the revised definition set forth in 
Sec.  4B1.2(b)?

3. Miscellaneous

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: This proposed amendment responds to 
recently enacted legislation and miscellaneous guideline issues. See 
U.S. Sentencing Comm'n, ``Notice of Final Priorities,'' 83 FR 43956 
(Aug. 28, 2018) (identifying as priorities ``[i]mplementation of any 
legislation warranting Commission action'' and ``[c]onsideration of 
other miscellaneous issues[ ]'').
    The proposed amendment contains five parts (Parts A through E). The 
Commission is considering whether to promulgate any or all these parts, 
as they are not mutually exclusive.
    Part A responds to the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, Pub. L. 
115-52 (Aug. 18, 2017), by amending Appendix A (Statutory Index) and 
the Commentary to Sec.  2N2.1 (Violations of Statutes and Regulations 
Dealing with Any Food, Drug, Biological Product, Device, Cosmetic, 
Agricultural Product, or Consumer Product). It also makes a technical 
correction to the Commentary to Sec.  2N1.1 (Tampering or Attempting to 
Tamper Involving Risk of Death or Bodily Injury). An issue for comment 
is also provided.
    Part B responds to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. 
115-254 (Oct. 8, 2018), by amending Appendix A and Sec.  2A5.2 
(Interference with Flight Crew Member or Flight Attendant; Interference 
with Dispatch, Navigation, Operation, or Maintenance of Mass 
Transportation Vehicle), as well as the commentaries to Sec.  2A2.4 
(Obstructing or Impeding Officers) and Sec.  2X5.2 (Class A 
Misdemeanors (Not Covered by Another Specific Offense Guideline)). An 
issue for comment is also provided.
    Part C responds to the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex 
Trafficking Act of 2017, Pub. L. 115-164 (Apr. 11, 2018), by amending 
Appendix A, Sec.  2G1.1 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited 
Sexual Conduct with an Individual Other than a Minor), and Sec.  2G1.3 
(Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a 
Minor; Transportation of Minors to Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to Engage in Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sex Trafficking of Children; 
Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport Information about a Minor). 
Issues for comment are also provided.
    Part D responds to a guideline application issue concerning the 
interaction of Sec.  2G1.3 and Sec.  3D1.2 (Grouping of Closely Related 
Counts). Although subsection (d) of Sec.  3D1.2 specifies that offenses 
covered by Sec.  2G1.1 are not grouped under the subsection, it does 
not specify whether or not offenses covered by Sec.  2G1.3 are so 
grouped. Part D amends Sec.  3D1.2(d) to provide that offenses covered 
by Sec.  2G1.3, like offenses covered by Sec.  2G1.1, are not grouped 
under subsection (d).
    Part E revises the guidelines to address the fact that the Bureau 
of Prisons (``BOP'') no longer operates a shock incarceration program 
as described in Sec.  5F1.7 (Shock Incarceration Program (Policy 
Statement)). Part E amends the Commentary to Sec.  5F1.7 to reflect the 
fact that BOP no longer operates the program.

(A) FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Part A of the proposed amendment 
responds to the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, Pub. L. 115-52 (Aug. 
18, 2017).
    That act amended 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333 (Penalties [for certain 
violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act]) to add a new 
criminal offense for the manufacture or distribution of a counterfeit 
drug. The new offense states that
    any person who violates [21 U.S.C. Sec.  331(i)(3)] by knowingly 
making, selling, or dispensing, or holding for sale or dispensing, a 
counterfeit drug shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years or 
fined in accordance with title 18, United States Code, or both.
    21 U.S.C. Sec.  333(b)(8). Section 331(i)(3) prohibits any action 
which causes a drug to be a counterfeit drug, or the sale or 
dispensing, or the holding for sale or dispensing, of a counterfeit 
drug.
    Currently, subsections (b)(1) through (b)(6) of 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333 
are referenced in Appendix A (Statutory Index) to Sec.  2N2.1 
(Violations of Statutes and Regulations Dealing With Any Food, Drug, 
Biological Product, Device, Cosmetic, Agricultural Product, or Consumer 
Product), and subsection (b)(7) is referenced to Sec.  2N1.1 (Tampering 
or Attempting to Tamper Involving Risk of Death or Bodily Injury). 
Newly-enacted subsection (b)(8) is not referenced to any guideline.
    Part A of the proposed amendment would amend Appendix A to 
reference 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333(b)(8) to Sec.  2N2.1. Part A would also 
amend the Commentary to Sec.  2N2.1 to reflect that subsection (b)(8), 
as well as subsections (b)(1) through (b)(6), of 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333 
are all referenced to Sec.  2N2.1. Finally, Part A also makes a 
technical change to the Commentary to Sec.  2N1.1, adding 21 U.S.C. 
Sec.  333(b)(7) to the list of statutory provisions referenced to that 
guideline.
    An issue for comment is also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting before the 
line referenced to 21 U.S.C. Sec.  458 the following new line 
reference:

``21 U.S.C. Sec.   333(b)(8)..............  2N2.1''.
 

    The Commentary to Sec.  2N2.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``333(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)'' and inserting 
``333(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1)-(6), (b)(8)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2N1.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``18 U.S.C. Sec.  1365(a), (e)'' and inserting ``18 
U.S.C. Sec.  1365(a), (e); 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333(b)(7). For additional 
statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index)''.
    Issue for Comment:
    1. Part A of the proposed amendment references newly-enacted 21 
U.S.C. Sec.  333(b)(8) to Sec.  2N2.1 (Violations of Statutes and 
Regulations Dealing With Any Food, Drug, Biological Product, Device, 
Cosmetic, Agricultural Product, or Consumer Product). The Commission 
seeks comment on whether any additional changes to the guidelines are 
required to account for section 333(b)(8)'s offense conduct. 
Specifically, should the Commission amend Sec.  2N2.1 to provide a 
higher or lower base offense level if 21 U.S.C. Sec.  333(b)(8) is the 
offense of conviction? If so, what should that base offense level be 
and why? Should the Commission add a specific offense characteristic to 
Sec.  2N2.1 in response to section 333(b)(8)? If so, what should that 
specific offense characteristic provide and why?

(B) FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Part B of the Proposed Amendment 
responds to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-254 (Oct. 
8, 2018). That act created two new criminal offenses concerning the 
operation of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as ``drones,'' and

[[Page 65417]]

added a new provision to an existing criminal statute that also 
concerns drones.
    The first new criminal offense, codified at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  39B 
(Unsafe operation of unmanned aircraft), prohibits the unsafe operation 
of drones. Specifically, section 39B(a)(1) prohibits any person from 
operating an unmanned aircraft and knowingly interfering with the 
operation of an aircraft carrying one or more persons in a manner that 
poses an imminent safety hazard to the aircraft's occupants. Section 
39B(a)(2) prohibits any person from operating an unmanned aircraft and 
recklessly interfering with the operation of an aircraft carrying one 
or more persons in a manner that poses an imminent safety hazard to the 
aircraft's occupants. Section 39B(b) prohibits any person from 
knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft near an airport runway without 
authorization. A violation of any of these prohibitions is punishable 
by a fine, not more than one year in prison, or both. A violation of 
subsection (a)(2) that causes serious bodily injury or death is 
punishable by a fine, not more than 10 years of imprisonment, or both. 
A violation of subsection (a)(1) or subsection (b) that causes serious 
bodily injury or death is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for any 
term of years or for life, or both.
    The second new criminal offense, codified at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  40A 
(Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires), generally 
prohibits any individual from operating an unmanned aircraft and 
knowingly or recklessly interfering with a wildfire suppression or with 
law enforcement or emergency response efforts related to a wildfire 
suppression. A violation of this offense is punishable by a fine, 
imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.
    The act also adds a new subsection (a)(5) to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1752 
(Restricted building or grounds). The new subsection prohibits anyone 
from knowingly and willfully operating an unmanned aircraft system with 
the intent to knowingly and willfully direct or otherwise cause the 
system to enter or operate within or above a restricted building or 
grounds. A violation of section 1752 is punishable by a fine, 
imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. If the violator used 
or carried a deadly or dangerous weapon or firearm or if the offense 
results in significant bodily injury, the maximum term of imprisonment 
increases to ten years.
    Part B of the proposed amendment would amend Appendix A (Statutory 
Index) to reference 18 U.S.C. Sec.  39B to Sec.  2A5.2 (Interference 
with Flight Crew Member or Flight Attendant; Interference with 
Dispatch, Navigation, Operation, or Maintenance of Mass Transportation 
Vehicle) and Sec.  2X5.2 (Class A Misdemeanors (Not Covered by Another 
Specific Offense Guideline)). Accordingly, courts would use Sec.  2A5.2 
for felony violations of section 39B and Sec.  2X5.2 for misdemeanor 
violations. Part B would also make conforming changes to Sec.  2A5.2 
and its commentary and to the Commentary to Sec.  2X5.2.
    In addition, Part B would amend Appendix A to reference 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  40A to Sec.  2A2.4 (Obstructing or Impeding Officers). Part B 
would also make conforming changes to the Commentary to Sec.  2A2.4.
    Section 1752 is currently referenced in Appendix A to Sec.  2A2.4 
and Sec.  2B2.3 (Trespass). Accordingly, courts would use those 
guidelines for felony violations of newly-enacted 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
1752(a)(5). Part B would make no changes to the guidelines to account 
for that provision.
    An issue for comment is also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting before the 
line referenced to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  43'' the following new line 
references:

``18 U.S.C. Sec.   39B.................  2A5.2, 2X5.2
18 U.S.C. Sec.   40A...................  2A2.4''.
 

    Section 2A5.2 is amended in the heading by striking ``Vehicle'' and 
inserting ``Vehicle; Unsafe Operation of Unmanned Aircraft''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2A5.2 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``18 U.S.C. Sec.  1992(a)(1)'' and inserting ``18 
U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  39B, 1992(a)(1)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2X5.2 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``18 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  1365(f)'' and inserting ``18 
U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  39B, 1365(f)'', and by striking ``49 U.S.C. Sec.  
31310'' and inserting ``49 U.S.C. Sec.  31310. For additional statutory 
provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2A2.4 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``18 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  111'' and inserting ``18 
U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  40A, 111''.
    Issue for Comment:
    1. In response to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-
254 (Oct. 8, 2018), Part B of the proposed amendment references newly-
enacted 18 U.S.C. Sec.  39B to Sec.  2A5.2 (Interference with Flight 
Crew Member or Flight Attendant; Interference with Dispatch, 
Navigation, Operation, or Maintenance of Mass Transportation Vehicle) 
and Sec.  2X5.2 (Class A Misdemeanors (Not Covered by Another Specific 
Offense Guideline)). Part B also references newly-enacted 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  40A to Sec.  2A2.4 (Obstructing or Impeding Officers). The 
Commission seeks comment on whether these proposed references are 
appropriate and whether any additional changes to the guidelines are 
required to account for the new criminal offenses created by the FAA 
Reauthorization Act.

(C) Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 
2017

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Part C of the proposed amendment 
responds to the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex 
Trafficking Act of 2017, Pub. L. 115-164 (Apr. 11, 2018).
    That act created two new criminal offenses codified at 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  2421A (Promotion or facilitation of prostitution and reckless 
disregard of sex trafficking). The first new offense, codified at 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  2421A(a), provides that [w]hoever, using a facility or 
means of interstate or foreign commerce or in or affecting interstate 
or foreign commerce, owns, manages, or operates an interactive computer 
service . . . , or conspires or attempts to do so, with the intent to 
promote or facilitate the prostitution of another person shall be fined 
under this title, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.
    The second new offense, codified at 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A(b), is an 
aggravated form of the first. It provides an enhanced statutory maximum 
penalty of 25 years for anyone who commits the first offense and either 
``(1) promotes or facilitates the prostitution of 5 or more persons'' 
or ``(2) acts in reckless disregard of the fact that such conduct 
contributed to sex trafficking, in violation of [18 U.S.C. Sec.  ] 
1591(a).'' Section 1591(a) criminalizes sex trafficking of a minor or 
sex trafficking of anyone by force, threats of force, fraud, or 
coercion.
    Part C of the proposed amendment would amend Appendix A (Statutory 
Index) to reference 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A to Sec.  2G1.1 (Promoting a 
Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with an Individual 
Other than a Minor) and Sec.  2G1.3 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Transportation of Minors to 
Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to 
Engage in Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; 
Sex Trafficking of Children; Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport 
Information about a Minor). Offenses involving the promotion or 
facilitation of commercial sex acts are generally referenced to these 
guidelines.

[[Page 65418]]

    If the offense did not involve a minor, Sec.  2G1.1 would be the 
applicable guideline. For a defendant convicted under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
2421A, subsection (a)(2) would apply, and the defendant's base offense 
level would be level 14. Part C would amend Sec.  2G1.1(b)(1) so that 
the four-level increase in the defendant's offense level provided by 
that specific offense characteristic would also apply if subsection 
(a)(2) applies and [the offense of conviction is] [the offense involved 
conduct described in] 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A(b)(2). Section 2421A(b)(2) 
is the version of the new aggravated offense under which the defendant 
has acted in reckless disregard of the fact that his or her conduct 
contributed to sex trafficking in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1591(a).
    If the offense involved a minor, Sec.  2G1.3 would be the 
applicable guideline. For a defendant convicted under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
2421A, subsection (a)(4) would apply, and the defendant's base offense 
level would be level 24. Part C would amend Sec.  2G1.3(b)(4) to 
renumber the existing specific offense characteristic as Sec.  
2G1.3(b)(4)(A) and to add a new Sec.  2G1.3(b)(4)(B), which provides 
for a [4]-level increase in the defendant's offense level if (i) 
subsection (a)(4) applies; and (ii) [the offense of conviction is] [the 
offense involved conduct described in] 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A(b)(2). 
Only the greater of Sec.  2G1.3(b)(4)(A) or Sec.  2G1.3(b)(4)(B) would 
apply.
    Part C also would amend the Commentary to Sec.  2G1.3 to add a new 
application note instructing that if 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A is the 
offense of conviction, the specific offense characteristic at Sec.  
2G1.3(b)(3)(B) does not apply. That special offense characteristic 
provides for a two-level increase in the defendant's offense level if 
the offense involved the use of a computer or an interactive computer 
service to entice, encourage, offer, or solicit a person to engage in 
prohibited sexual conduct with a minor.
    Finally, Part C would make conforming changes to Sec. Sec.  2G1.1 
and 2G1.3 and their commentaries.
    Issues for comment are also provided.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by inserting before the 
line referenced to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2422 the following new line 
reference:

``18 U.S.C. Sec.   2421A..................  2G1.1, 2G1.3''.
 

    Section 2G1.1(b)(1)(B) is amended by striking ``the offense 
involved fraud or coercion'' and inserting ``(i) the offense involved 
fraud or coercion, or (ii) [the offense of conviction is] [the offense 
involved conduct described in] 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421(A)(b)(2)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2G1.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``2422(a) (only if the offense involved a victim 
other than a minor)'' and inserting ``2421A (only if the offense 
involved a victim other than a minor), 2422(a) (only if the offense 
involved a victim other than a minor). For additional statutory 
provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index)''.
    Section 2G1.3(b) is amended in paragraph (4) by striking the 
following:
    ``If (A) the offense involved the commission of a sex act or sexual 
contact; or (B) subsection (a)(3) or (a)(4) applies and the offense 
involved a commercial sex act, increase by 2 levels.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``(Apply the greater):
    (A) If (i) the offense involved the commission of a sex act or 
sexual contact; or (ii) subsection (a)(3) or (a)(4) applies and the 
offense involved a commercial sex act, increase by 2 levels.
    (B) If (i) subsection (a)(4) applies; and (ii) [the offense of 
conviction is][the offense involved conduct described in] 18 U.S.C. 
Sec.  2421A(b)(2), increase by [4] levels.''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2G1.3 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``2422 (only if the offense involved a minor), 
2423, 2425'' and inserting ``2421A (only if the offense involved a 
minor), 2422 (only if the offense involved a minor), 2423, 2425. For 
additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2G1.3 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended by redesignating Notes 5, 6, and 7 as Notes 6, 7, and 8, 
respectively, and inserting the following new Note 5:
    ``5. Application of Subsection (b)(3)(B) when the Offense of 
Conviction is 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A.--If the offense of conviction is 
18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A, do not apply subsection (b)(3)(B).''.
    Issues for Comment:
    1. Part C of the proposed amendment would reference newly-enacted 
18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A to Sec.  2G1.1 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with an Individual Other than a Minor) and 
Sec.  2G1.3 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual 
Conduct with a Minor; Transportation of Minors to Engage in a 
Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to Engage in 
Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sex 
Trafficking of Children; Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport 
Information about a Minor), and would make various revisions to those 
guidelines to account for the new statute's offense conduct. The 
Commission seeks comment on whether the proposed revisions are 
appropriate and on whether the Commission should make other changes to 
the guidelines to account for section 2421A's offense conduct.
    In particular, Part C would rely on the specific offense 
characteristics and special instructions in Sec. Sec.  2G1.1 and 2G1.3 
to produce the appropriate offense levels for the aggravated offense at 
18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A(b). Should the Commission account for the 
aggravated offense in a different way, for example, by providing a 
higher base offense level if a defendant is convicted of that offense? 
If so, should the Commission use one of the base offense levels 
currently provided for convictions under other offenses, such as level 
28, provided by Sec.  2G1.3 for a conviction under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
2422(b) or 2423(a), or level 34, provided by Sec. Sec.  2G1.1 and 2G1.3 
for a conviction under 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1591(b)(1)?
    2. Newly-enacted 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A is codified in chapter 117 
(Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity and Related Crimes) of 
title 18 of the United States Code, which contains statutes that 
generally prohibit conduct intended to promote or facilitate 
prostitution. Various guidelines refer to chapter 117, including Sec.  
4B1.5 (Repeat and Dangerous Sex Offender Against Minors) and Sec.  
5D1.2 (Term of Supervised Release). The Commission seeks comment on 
whether it should amend those guidelines to account for 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
2421A.
    Specifically, Sec.  4B1.5 provides for increases in the defendant's 
offense level if the offense of conviction is a ``covered sex crime.'' 
Application Note 2 of the Commentary to Sec.  4B1.5 states that a 
``covered sex crime'' generally includes offenses under chapter 117 but 
excludes from coverage the offenses of ``transmitting information about 
a minor or filing a factual statement about an alien individual.'' 
Should the Commission also exclude 18 U.S.C. Sec.  2421A from the 
definition of a ``covered sex crime''? If so, why? If not, why not?
    Section 5D1.2 includes a policy statement recommending that the 
court impose the statutory maximum term of supervised release if the 
instant offense of conviction is a ``sex offense.'' Application Note 1 
of the Commentary to Sec.  5D1.2 defines ``sex offense'' to mean, among 
other things, an offense, perpetrated against a minor, under chapter 
117, ``not including transmitting information about a minor or filing a 
factual statement about an alien

[[Page 65419]]

individual.'' Should the Commission also exclude offenses under 18 
U.S.C. Sec.  2421A from the definition of ``sex offense'' in 
Application Note 1? If so, why? If not, why not?

(D) Grouping of Offenses Covered by Sec.  2G1.3

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Part D of the proposed amendment 
revises Sec.  3D1.2 (Grouping of Closely Related Counts) to provide 
that offenses covered by Sec.  2G1.3 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or 
Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Transportation of Minors to 
Engage in a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct; Travel to 
Engage in Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual Conduct with a Minor; 
Sex Trafficking of Children; Use of Interstate Facilities to Transport 
Information about a Minor) are not grouped under Sec.  3D1.2(d).
    Section 3D1.2 addresses the grouping of closely related counts for 
purposes of determining the offense level when a defendant has been 
convicted on multiple counts. Subsection (d) states that counts are 
grouped together ``[w]hen the offense level is determined largely on 
the basis of the total amount of harm or loss, the quantity of a 
substance involved, or some other measure of aggregate harm, or if the 
offense behavior is ongoing or continuous in nature and the offense 
guideline is written to cover such behavior.'' Subsection (d) also 
contains lists of (1) guidelines for which the offenses covered by the 
guideline are to be grouped under the subsection and (2) guidelines for 
which the covered offenses are specifically excluded from grouping 
under the subsection.
    Section 2G1.1 (Promoting a Commercial Sex Act or Prohibited Sexual 
Conduct with an Individual Other than a Minor) is included in the list 
of guidelines for which the covered offenses are excluded from grouping 
under Sec.  3D1.2(d). Section 2G1.3 is, however, not included on that 
list, even though several offenses that are referenced to Sec.  2G1.3 
when the offense involves a minor are referenced to Sec.  2G1.1 when 
the offense involves an individual other than a minor. In addition, 
several offenses that were referenced to Sec.  2G1.1 before Sec.  2G1.3 
was promulgated are now referenced to Sec.  2G1.3. See USSG App. C, 
Amendment 664 (effective Nov. 1, 2004). Furthermore, Application Note 6 
of the Commentary to Sec.  2G1.3 states that multiple counts under 
Sec.  2G1.3 are not to be grouped.
    Section 2G1.3 is also not included on the list of guidelines for 
which the covered offenses are to be grouped under Sec.  3D1.2(d). 
Because Sec.  2G1.3 is included on neither list, Sec.  3D.1(d) provides 
that ``grouping under [the] subsection may or may not be appropriate 
and a ``case-by-case determination must be made based upon the facts of 
the case and the applicable guideline (including specific offense 
characteristics and other adjustments) used to determine the offense 
level.''
    Part D of the proposed amendment would amend Sec.  3D1.2(d) to add 
Sec.  2G1.3 to the list of guidelines for which the covered offenses 
are specifically excluded from grouping.
    Proposed Amendment:
    Section 3D1.2(d) is amended by striking ``Sec. Sec.  2G1.1, 2G2.1'' 
and inserting ``Sec. Sec.  2G1.1, 2G1.3, 2G2.1''.

(E) Policy Statement on Shock Incarceration Programs

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: Part E of the proposed amendment 
revises the guidelines to address the fact that the Bureau of Prisons 
(``BOP'') no longer operates a shock incarceration program as described 
in Sec.  5F1.7 (Shock Incarceration Program (Policy Statement)) and the 
corresponding commentary.
    Section 4046 of title 18, United States Code, authorizes BOP to 
place any person who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 
more than 12 but not more than 30 months in a shock incarceration 
program if the person consents to that placement. Sections 3582(a) and 
3621(b)(4) of title 18 authorize a court, in imposing sentence, to make 
a recommendation regarding the type of prison facility that would be 
appropriate for the defendant. In making such a recommendation, the 
court ``shall consider any pertinent policy statements issued by the 
Sentencing Commission.'' 18 U.S.C. Sec.  3582(a).
    Section 5F1.7 provides that, pursuant to sections 3582(a) and 
3621(b)(4), a sentencing court may recommend that a defendant who meets 
the criteria set forth in section 4046 participate in a shock 
incarceration program. The Commentary to Sec.  5F1.7 describes the 
authority for BOP to operate a shock incarceration program and the 
procedures that the BOP established in 1990 regarding operation of such 
a program.
    In 2008, BOP terminated its shock incarceration program and removed 
the rules governing its operation. Part E would amend the Commentary to 
Sec.  5F1.7 to reflect those developments. Part E also would correct 
two typographical errors in the commentary.
    Proposed Amendment:
    The Commentary to Sec.  5F1.7 captioned ``Background'' is amended 
by--
    striking ``six months'' and inserting ``6 months'';
    striking ``as the Bureau deems appropriate. 18 U.S.C. Sec.  4046.' 
'' and inserting ``as the Bureau deems appropriate.' 18 U.S.C. Sec.  
4046.'';
    and by striking the final paragraph as follows:
    ``The Bureau of Prisons has issued an operations memorandum (174-90 
(5390), November 20, 1990) that outlines eligibility criteria and 
procedures for the implementation of this program (which the Bureau of 
Prisons has titled ``intensive confinement program''). Under these 
procedures, the Bureau will not place a defendant in an intensive 
confinement program unless the sentencing court has approved, either at 
the time of sentencing or upon consultation after the Bureau has 
determined that the defendant is otherwise eligible. In return for the 
successful completion of the ``intensive confinement'' portion of the 
program, the defendant is eligible to serve the remainder of his term 
of imprisonment in a graduated release program comprised of community 
corrections center and home confinement phases.'',
    and inserting the following:
    ``In 1990, the Bureau of Prisons (`BOP') issued an operations 
memorandum (174-90 (5390), November 20, 1990) that outlined eligibility 
criteria and procedures for the implementation of a shock incarceration 
program (which the Bureau of Prisons titled the ``intensive confinement 
program''). In 2008, however, BOP terminated the program and removed 
the rules governing its operation. See 73 Fed. Reg. 39863 (July 11, 
2008).''.

4. Technical Amendment

    Synopsis of Proposed Amendment: This proposed amendment makes 
various technical changes to the Guidelines Manual.
    Part A of the proposed amendment makes technical changes to reflect 
the editorial reclassification of certain sections in the United States 
Code. Effective December 1, 2015, the Office of Law Revision Counsel 
eliminated the Appendix to Title 50 of the United States Code and 
transferred the non-obsolete provisions to new chapters 49 to 57 of 
Title 50 and to other titles of the Code. To reflect the new section 
numbers of the reclassified provisions, Part A of the proposed 
amendment makes changes to Sec.  2M4.1 (Failure to Register and Evasion 
of Military Service), Sec.  2M5.1 (Evasion of Export Controls; 
Financial Transactions with

[[Page 65420]]

Countries Supporting International Terrorism), and Appendix A 
(Statutory Index). Similarly, effective September 1, 2016, the Office 
of Law Revision Counsel also transferred certain provisions from 
Chapter 14 of Title 25 to four new chapters in Title 25 in order to 
improve the organization of the title. To reflect these changes, Part A 
of the proposed amendment makes further changes to Appendix A.
    Part B of the proposed amendment makes certain technical changes to 
the Commentary to Sec.  2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, 
Exporting, or Trafficking (Including Possession with Intent to Commit 
These Offenses); Attempt or Conspiracy). First, Part B of the proposed 
amendment amends the Drug Conversion Tables at Application Note 8(D) 
and the Typical Weight Per Unit Table at Application Note 9, to 
reorganize the controlled substances contained therein in alphabetical 
order to make the tables more user-friendly. It also makes minor 
changes to the controlled substance references to promote consistency 
in the use of capitalization, commas, parentheticals, and slash symbols 
throughout the Drug Conversion Tables. For example, the proposed 
amendment would change the reference to ``Phencyclidine (actual)/PCP 
(actual)'' to ``Phencyclidine (PCP) (actual).'' Second, Part B of the 
proposed amendment makes clerical changes throughout the Commentary to 
correct some typographical errors. Finally, Part B of the proposed 
amendment amends the Background Commentary to add a specific reference 
to amendment 808, which replaced the term ``marihuana equivalency'' 
with the new term ``converted drug weight'' and changed the title of 
the ``Drug Equivalency Tables'' to ``Drug Conversion Tables.''
    Part C of the proposed amendment makes technical changes to the 
commentaries to Sec.  2A4.2 (Demanding or Receiving Ransom Money), 
Sec.  2A6.1 (Threatening or Harassing Communications; Hoaxes; False 
Liens), and Sec.  2B3.2 (Extortion by Force or Threat of Injury or 
Serious Damage), and to Appendix A, to provide references to the 
specific applicable provisions of 18 U.S.C. Sec.  876.
    Part D of the proposed amendment makes clerical changes to--
    (1) the Background Commentary to Sec.  1B1.11 (Use of Guidelines 
Manual in Effect on Date of Sentencing (Policy Statement)), to update 
the citation of a Supreme Court case;
    (2) the Background Commentary to Sec.  3D1.1 (Procedure for 
Determining Offense Level on Multiple Counts), to correct references to 
certain chapters of the Guidelines Manual; and
    (3) the Background Commentary to Sec.  5G1.3 (Imposition of a 
Sentence on a Defendant Subject to an Undischarged Term of Imprisonment 
or Anticipated State Term of Imprisonment), to update the citation of a 
Supreme Court case.
    Proposed Amendment:

(A) Reclassification of Sections of United States Code

    The Commentary to Sec.  2M4.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``50 U.S.C. App. Sec.  462'' and inserting ``50 
U.S.C. Sec.  3811''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2M5.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``50 U.S.C. App. Sec. Sec.  2401-2420'' and 
inserting ``50 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  4601-4623. For additional statutory 
provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2M5.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 3 by striking ``50 U.S.C. App. Sec.  2410'' and inserting 
``50 U.S.C. Sec.  4610'';
    and in Note 4 by striking ``50 U.S.C. App. 2405'' and inserting 
``50 U.S.C. Sec.  4605''.
    Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended--
    in the line referenced to 25 U.S.C. Sec.  450d by striking ``Sec.  
450d'' and inserting ``Sec.  5306'';
    and by striking the lines referenced to 50 U.S.C. App. Sec.  462, 
50 U.S.C. App. Sec.  527(e), and 50 U.S.C. App. Sec.  2410, and 
inserting before the line referenced to 52 U.S.C. Sec.  10307(c) the 
following new line references:

``50 U.S.C. Sec.   3811...................  2M4.1
50 U.S.C. Sec.   3937.....................  2X5.2
50 U.S.C. Sec.   4610.....................  2M5.1''.
 

(B) Technical Changes to Commentary to Sec.  2D1.1

    The Commentary to Sec.  2D1.1 captioned ``Application Notes'' is 
amended--
    in Note 8(A) by striking ``the statute (21 U.S.C. Sec.  841(b)(1)), 
as the primary basis'' and inserting ``the statute (21 U.S.C. Sec.  
841(b)(1)) as the primary basis'', and by striking ``fentanyl, LSD and 
marihuana'' and inserting ``fentanyl, LSD, and marihuana'';
    in Note 8(D)--
    under the heading relating to Schedule I or II Opiates, by striking 
the following:
``1 gm of Heroin = 1 kg
1 gm of Dextromoramide = 670 gm
1 gm of Dipipanone = 250 gm
1 gm of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine/MPPP = 700 gm
1 gm of 1-(2-Phenylethyl)-4-phenyl-4-acetyloxypiperidine/PEPAP = 700 
gm
1 gm of Alphaprodine = 100 gm
1 gm of Fentanyl (N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] 
Propanamide) = 2.5 kg
1 gm of a Fentanyl Analogue = 10 kg
1 gm of Hydromorphone/Dihydromorphinone = 2.5 kg
1 gm of Levorphanol = 2.5 kg
1 gm of Meperidine/Pethidine = 50 gm
1 gm of Methadone = 500 gm
1 gm of 6-Monoacetylmorphine = 1 kg
1 gm of Morphine = 500 gm
1 gm of Oxycodone (actual) = 6700 gm
1 gm of Oxymorphone = 5 kg
1 gm of Racemorphan = 800 gm
1 gm of Codeine = 80 gm
1 gm of Dextropropoxyphene/Propoxyphene-Bulk = 50 gm
1 gm of Ethylmorphine = 165 gm
1 gm of Hydrocodone (actual) = 6700 gm
1 gm of Mixed Alkaloids of Opium/Papaveretum = 250 gm
1 gm of Opium = 50 gm
1 gm of Levo-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) = 3 kg'',

    and inserting the following:

``1 gm of 1-(2-Phenylethyl)-4-phenyl-4-acetyloxypiperidine (PEPAP) = 
700 gm
1 gm of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine (MPPP) = 700 gm
1 gm of 6-Monoacetylmorphine = 1 kg
1 gm of Alphaprodine = 100 gm
1 gm of Codeine = 80 gm
1 gm of Dextromoramide = 670 gm
1 gm of Dextropropoxyphene/Propoxyphene-Bulk = 50 gm
1 gm of Dipipanone = 250 gm
1 gm of Ethylmorphine = 165 gm
1 gm of Fentanyl (N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] 
Propanamide) = 2.5 kg
1 gm of a Fentanyl Analogue = 10 kg
1 gm of Heroin = 1 kg
1 gm of Hydrocodone (actual) = 6,700 gm
1 gm of Hydromorphone/Dihydromorphinone = 2.5 kg
1 gm of Levo-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) = 3 kg
1 gm of Levorphanol = 2.5 kg
1 gm of Meperidine/Pethidine = 50 gm
1 gm of Methadone = 500 gm
1 gm of Mixed Alkaloids of Opium/Papaveretum = 250 gm
1 gm of Morphine = 500 gm
1 gm of Opium = 50 gm
1 gm of Oxycodone (actual) = 6,700 gm
1 gm of Oxymorphone = 5 kg
1 gm of Racemorphan = 800 gm'';

    under the heading relating to Cocaine and Other Schedule I and II 
Stimulants (and their immediate precursors), by striking the following:

``1 gm of Cocaine = 200 gm
1 gm of N-Ethylamphetamine = 80 gm
1 gm of Fenethylline = 40 gm
1 gm of Amphetamine = 2 kg
1 gm of Amphetamine (Actual) = 20 kg
1 gm of Methamphetamine = 2 kg
1 gm of Methamphetamine (Actual) = 20 kg
1 gm of ``Ice'' = 20 kg
1 gm of Khat = .01 gm
1 gm of 4-Methylaminorex (``Euphoria'') = 100 gm
1 gm of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) = 100 gm
1 gm of Phenmetrazine = 80 gm

[[Page 65421]]

1 gm Phenylacetone/P2P (when possessed for the purpose of 
manufacturing methamphetamine) = 416 gm
1 gm Phenylacetone/P2P (in any other case) = 75 gm
1 gm Cocaine Base (``Crack'') = 3,571 gm
1 gm of Aminorex = 100 gm
1 gm of N-N-Dimethylamphetamine = 40 gm
1 gm of N-Benzylpiperazine = 100 gm'',

    and inserting the following:

``1 gm of 4-Methylaminorex (``Euphoria'') = 100 gm
1 gm of Aminorex = 100 gm
1 gm of Amphetamine = 2 kg
1 gm of Amphetamine (actual) = 20 kg
1 gm of Cocaine = 200 gm
1 gm of Cocaine Base (``Crack'') = 3,571 gm
1 gm of Fenethylline = 40 gm
1 gm of ``Ice'' = 20 kg
1 gm of Khat = .01 gm
1 gm of Methamphetamine = 2 kg
1 gm of Methamphetamine (actual) = 20 kg
1 gm of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) = 100 gm
1 gm of N-Benzylpiperazine = 100 gm
1 gm of N-Ethylamphetamine = 80 gm
1 gm of N-N-Dimethylamphetamine = 40 gm
1 gm of Phenmetrazine = 80 gm
1 gm of Phenylacetone (P2P) (when possessed for the 
purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine) = 416 gm
1 gm of Phenylacetone (P2P) (in any other case) = 75 
gm'';

    Under the heading relating to Synthetic Cathinones (except Schedule 
III, IV, and V Substances), by striking ``a synthetic cathinone'' and 
inserting ``a Synthetic Cathinone'';
    Under the heading relating to LSD, PCP, and Other Schedule I and II 
Hallucinogens (and their immediate precursors), by striking the 
following:

``1 gm of Bufotenine = 70 gm
1 gm of D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/Lysergide/LSD = 100 kg
1 gm of Diethyltryptamine/DET = 80 gm
1 gm of Dimethyltryptamine/DM = 100 gm
1 gm of Mescaline = 10 gm
1 gm of Mushrooms containing Psilocin and/or Psilocybin (Dry) = 1 gm
1 gm of Mushrooms containing Psilocin and/or Psilocybin (Wet) = 0.1 
gm
1 gm of Peyote (Dry) = 0.5 gm
1 gm of Peyote (Wet) = 0.05 gm
1 gm of Phencyclidine/PCP = 1 kg
1 gm of Phencyclidine (actual)/PCP (actual) = 10 kg
1 gm of Psilocin = 500 gm
1 gm of Psilocybin = 500 gm
1 gm of Pyrrolidine Analog of Phencyclidine/PHP = 1 kg
1 gm of Thiophene Analog of Phencyclidine/TCP = 1 kg
1 gm of 4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine/DOB = 2.5 kg
1 gm of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine/DOM = 1.67 kg
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine/MDA = 500 gm
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine/MDMA = 500 gm
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine/MDEA = 500 gm
1 gm of Paramethoxymethamphetamine/PMA = 500 gm
``1 gm of 1-Piperidinocyclohexanecarbonitrile/PCC = 680 gm
1 gm of N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE) = 1 kg'',

    and inserting the following:

``1 gm of 1-Piperidinocyclohexanecarbonitrile (PCC) = 680 gm
1 gm of 4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB) = 2.5 kg
1 gm of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) = 1.67 kg
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) = 500 gm
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) = 500 gm
1 gm of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA) = 500 gm
1 gm of Bufotenine = 70 gm
1 gm of D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/Lysergide (LSD) = 100 kg
1 gm of Diethyltryptamine (DET) = 80 gm
1 gm of Dimethyltryptamine (DM) = 100 gm
1 gm of Mescaline = 10 gm
1 gm of Mushrooms containing Psilocin and/or Psilocybin (dry) = 1 gm
1 gm of Mushrooms containing Psilocin and/or Psilocybin (wet) = 0.1 
gm
1 gm of N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE) = 1 kg
1 gm of Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMA) = 500 gm
1 gm of Peyote (dry) = 0.5 gm
1 gm of Peyote (wet) = 0.05 gm
1 gm of Phencyclidine (PCP) = 1 kg
1 gm of Phencyclidine (PCP) (actual) = 10 kg
1 gm of Psilocin = 500 gm
1 gm of Psilocybin = 500 gm
1 gm of Pyrrolidine Analog of Phencyclidine (PHP) = 1 kg
1 gm of Thiophene Analog of Phencyclidine (TCP) = 1 kg'';

    under the heading relating to Schedule I Marihuana, by striking the 
following:

``1 gm of Marihuana/Cannabis, granulated, powdered, etc. = 1 gm
1 gm of Hashish Oil = 50 gm
1 gm of Cannabis Resin or Hashish = 5 gm
1 gm of Tetrahydrocannabinol, Organic = 167 gm
1 gm of Tetrahydrocannabinol, Synthetic = 167 gm'',

    and inserting the following:

``1 gm of Cannabis Resin or Hashish = 5 gm
1 gm of Hashish Oil = 50 gm
1 gm of Marihuana/Cannabis (granulated, powdered, etc.) = 1 gm
1 gm of Tetrahydrocannabinol (organic) = 167 gm
1 gm of Tetrahydrocannabinol (synthetic) = 167 gm'';

    under the heading relating to Synthetic Cannabinoids (except 
Schedule III, IV, and V Substances), by striking ``a synthetic 
cannabinoid'' and inserting ``a Synthetic Cannabinoid'', and by 
striking ```Synthetic cannabinoid,' for purposes of this guideline'' 
and inserting ```Synthetic Cannabinoid,' for purposes of this 
guideline'';
    under the heading relating to Schedule I or II Depressants (except 
gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), by striking ``except gamma-hydroxybutyric 
acid'' both places such term appears and inserting ``except Gamma-
hydroxybutyric Acid'';
    under the heading relating to Gamma-hydroxybutyric Acid, by 
striking ``of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid'' and inserting ``of Gamma-
hydroxybutyric Acid'';
    under the heading relating to Schedule III Substances (except 
ketamine), by striking ``except ketamine'' in the heading and inserting 
``except Ketamine'';
    under the heading relating to Ketamine, by striking ``of ketamine'' 
and inserting ``of Ketamine'';
    under the heading relating to Schedule IV (except flunitrazepam), 
by striking ``except flunitrazepam'' in the heading and inserting 
``except Flunitrazepam'';
    under the heading relating to List I Chemicals (relating to the 
manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine), by striking ``of 
amphetamine or methamphetamine'' and inserting ``of Amphetamine or 
Methamphetamine'';
    under the heading relating to Date Rape Drugs (except 
flunitrazepam, GHB, or ketamine), by striking ``except flunitrazepam, 
GHB, or ketamine'' and inserting ``except Flunitrazepam, GHB, or 
Ketamine'', by striking ``of 1,4-butanediol'' and inserting ``of 1,4-
Butanediol'', and by striking ``of gamma butyrolactone'' and inserting 
``of Gamma Butyrolactone'';
    in Note 9, under the heading relating to Hallucinogens, by striking 
the following:

``MDA..................................  250 mg
MDMA...................................  250 mg
Mescaline..............................  500 mg
PCP *..................................  5 mg
Peyote (dry)...........................  12 gm
Peyote (wet)...........................  120 gm
Psilocin *.............................  10 mg
Psilocybe mushrooms (dry)..............  5 gm
Psilocybe mushrooms (wet)..............  50 gm
Psilocybin *...........................  10 mg
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (STP,  3 mg'',
 DOM) *.
 

    and inserting the following:

``2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine      3 mg
 (STP, DOM) *.
MDA....................................  250 mg
MDMA...................................  250 mg
Mescaline..............................  500 mg

[[Page 65422]]

 
PCP *..................................  5 mg
Peyote (dry)...........................  12 gm
Peyote (wet)...........................  120 gm
Psilocin *.............................  10 mg
Psilocybe mushrooms (dry)..............  5 gm
Psilocybe mushrooms (wet)..............  50 gm
Psilocybin *...........................  10 mg'';
 

    and in Note 21, by striking ``Section Sec.  5C1.2(b)'' and 
inserting ``Section 5C1.2(b)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2D1.1 captioned ``Background'' is amended 
by striking ``Public Law 103-237'' and inserting ``Public Law 104-
237'', and by inserting after ``to change the title of the Drug 
Equivalency Tables to the `Drug Conversion Tables.''' the following: 
``See USSG App. C, Amendment 808 (effective November 1, 2018).''.

(C) References to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  876

    The Commentary to Sec.  2A4.2 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``Sec. Sec.  876,'' and inserting ``Sec. Sec.  
876(a),''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2A6.1 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``876,'' and inserting ``876(c),''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  2B3.2 captioned ``Statutory Provisions'' is 
amended by striking ``Sec. Sec.  875(b), 876,'' and inserting 
``Sec. Sec.  875(b), (d), 876(b), (d),''.
    Appendix A (Statutory Index) is amended by striking the line 
referenced to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  876 and inserting before the line 
referenced to 18 U.S.C. Sec.  877 the following new line references:

``18 U.S.C. Sec.   876(a)..............  2A4.2, 2B3.2
18 U.S.C. Sec.   876(b)................  2B3.2
18 U.S.C. Sec.   876(c)................  2A6.1
18 U.S.C. Sec.   876(d)................  2B3.2, 2B3.3''.
 

(D) Clerical Changes

    The Commentary to Sec.  1B1.11 captioned ``Background'' is amended 
by striking ``133 S. Ct. 2072, 2078'' and inserting ``569 U.S. 530, 
533''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  3D1.1 captioned ``Background'' is amended 
by striking ``Chapter 3, Part E (Acceptance of Responsibility) and 
Chapter 4, Part B (Career Offenders and Criminal Livelihood)'' and 
inserting ``Chapter Three, Part E (Acceptance of Responsibility) and 
Chapter Four, Part B (Career Offenders and Criminal Livelihood)''.
    The Commentary to Sec.  5G1.3 captioned ``Background'' is amended 
by striking ``122 S. Ct. 1463, 1468'' and inserting ``566 U.S. 231, 
236'', and by striking ``132 S. Ct. at 1468'' and inserting ``566 U.S. 
at 236''.

[FR Doc. 2018-27505 Filed 12-19-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 2210-40-P