The House Judiciary Committee today approved bipartisan legislation to reform federal sentencing laws that’s co-sponsored by Idaho GOP Rep. Raul Labrador.  The measure, H.R. 3713, dubbed the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, reduces some mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, including cutting a “three strikes” mandatory life sentence to 25 years; it also provides judges with greater discretion on sentencing for non-violent drug offenders. You can read a full report here from the AP in Washington, D.C.

Labrador had this statement: “Today the House Judiciary Committee seized an opportunity to make history. A bipartisan coalition came together to advance reforms that address the mistakes of the past and establish a positive framework for the future. Our Sentencing Reform Act ensures law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect us from dangerous criminals, while giving non-violent offenders the chance to turn their lives around and contribute to society. I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers and our many partners in this just cause.”

The bill’s sponsors include House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Virginia, and ranking member Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich.