House Bill 4 Summary

• Removes most drug crimes from the violent felony classification, except for the highest-level drug dealing offenses, to reduce sentencing ranges and presumptive penalties for lower-level drug offenders.

• Establishes a new sentence modification mechanism in § 4217 allowing inmates to petition for reduced sentences based on serious medical illness, demonstrated rehabilitation ("good cause"), or prison overcrowding, with eligibility requirements of 20 years served or age 50+ with 10 years served.

• Creates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability and Guidelines Commission with 17 voting members and 12 ex-officio members to develop sentencing guidelines, conduct population forecasting, and investigate sentencing inequities across demographic groups and geographic regions.

• Removes statutory barriers preventing sentence modification eligibility due to incomplete education, drug treatment, or work programs, though non-completion may be considered in evaluating an offender's rehabilitation.

• Implements phased effective dates: most provisions effective immediately upon enactment, medical/overcrowding petitions effective after 120 days, and rehabilitation-based petitions effective after 1 year.