Sentencing Commission Proposes Overhauls to Federal Punishment Rules
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The United States Sentencing Commission is proposing changes to the rules that judges use to decide punishments in federal courts. These updates could affect anyone involved in federal cases by adjusting how sentences are decided, and the public has until June 18, 2026, to share their thoughts. While no direct money changes are announced yet, these updates aim to keep sentencing fair and clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New unmanned aircraft sentence boosts
If you are convicted of a federal offense that involved using an unmanned aircraft, the Commission proposes a new guideline (Sec. 3B.1.6) that would raise the sentencing offense level. The proposal calls for a 6-level increase in some cases and a 4-level increase in other cases; two drafting options describe when the 6-level increase would apply.
Repeat airspace violations upgraded to felony
The SAFER SKIES Act makes repeated violations of 49 U.S.C. 46307 a felony for a second or subsequent conviction, adding a new maximum penalty of five years in prison. The Commission proposes to amend Appendix A so courts reference 49 U.S.C. 46307 to Sec. 2A5.2 (for the new felony) and Sec. 2X5.2 (for misdemeanor violations).
Extra prison time for drone contraband drops
The Act raises statutory maximum penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1791 by five years when someone "knowingly used an unmanned aircraft to provide a prohibited object to an inmate of a prison." The Commission proposes the new unmanned-aircraft adjustment and asks whether it should also amend Sec. 2P1.2 (Providing or Possessing Contraband in Prison) to address these cases.
Felony penalties doubled or +5 years if drone used
The Act provides that if someone is convicted of a felony (other than an offense based solely on operating an unmanned aircraft) and knowingly operated an unmanned aircraft during, in relation to, or in furtherance of that offense, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is doubled or increased by five years, whichever is less. The Commission proposes guideline changes to implement Congress's direction to substantially increase sentencing ranges for offenses involving unmanned aircraft.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08647 — Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts
The United States Sentencing Commission updated the rules that judges use to decide punishments in federal courts. These changes affect anyone involved in federal criminal cases and will start on November 1, 2026. The updates aim to make sentencing fairer and clearer, with no new costs for the public.
2026-02441 — Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts
The United States Sentencing Commission is thinking about changing the rules judges use to decide punishments in federal courts. These updates could affect people facing sentencing and might even apply to past cases. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until March 18, 2026, to speak up before any changes happen.
2025-23470 — Requests for Applications; Practitioners Advisory Group
The United States Sentencing Commission is looking for new members to join its Practitioners Advisory Group, specifically for the Ninth Circuit and D.C. Circuit seats. If you’re eligible and interested, send in your application by February 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape federal sentencing rules and have your voice heard in the justice system!
2025-23473 — Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts
The United States Sentencing Commission is updating the rules judges use to decide punishments in federal courts. These changes could affect people facing sentencing by possibly changing how past and future cases are handled. The public can share their thoughts by February 10, 2026, and a hearing might be held to discuss the updates.
2025-15457 — Final Priorities for Amendment Cycle
The Commission just announced the final priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026, after listening to public feedback. These priorities affect anyone involved in the amendment process and set clear goals to guide changes. Get ready to act before the May 2026 deadline, as these updates could impact your plans and funding opportunities.
2025-13772 — Requests for Applications; Practitioners Advisory Group
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is looking for new members to join its Practitioners Advisory Group. If you live in the Third, Sixth, or D.C. Circuit, or want to join as an at-large member, now’s your chance to apply by sending a letter and resume. Don’t wait—these spots are opening soon and it’s a great way to have your voice heard!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08087 — AGL Private Credit Income Fund, et al.
AGL Private Credit Income Fund and its partners want permission to team up and invest together in certain companies, even though current rules usually say no. This change would let these investment groups pool their money and share risks, potentially boosting their business opportunities. If you want to speak up, you have until May 11, 2026, to ask for a hearing before the SEC decides.
Next: 2026-08089 — City of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Notice of Application for a License Variance Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
The City of Idaho Falls wants to temporarily change how much water flows around their hydroelectric project on the Snake River. This affects local water use and the environment, and the public has until May 21, 2026, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes yet, but it’s a key step in managing the river’s power and nature balance.