Summary:

The Task Force recommends a 200 foot school and public property drug zone law accompanied by higher penalties in the zone for the following reasons:

1. The proposed changes target offenders based on the harm posed by their conduct and will have a greater deterrent effect in the 200 foot zone.
2. The proposed changes will reduce the urban effect described in the Sentencing Commission’s report.
3. The proposed changes allow individualized sentencing by the courts, including, when appropriate, utilization of drug court.
4. The proposed changes complement tough measures specifically aimed at protecting children from drug dealers.