ND Senate considering mandatory minimum sentencing reform

To help deal with North Dakota's increasingly crowded prison situation, a Senate bill would greatly reduce some of the mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses.

The proposed law would cut mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes in half.

It would also make sure the harsh sentences for repeat offenders were only for more serious crimes like distribution.

"I'm not convinced that these types of penalties have actually reduced crime in our country or drug usage in our country," said Patrick Bohn, North Dakota Department of Corrections.

The bill would also make it a lesser crime to have 10 illegal prescription pills or fewer.