Sara’s Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act of 2026

Key Provisions

• Would let federal courts give sentences below the usual minimums for young people under 18 who commit violent crimes. This applies if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, they were also victims of trafficking, abuse, or assault by the person they harmed.
• Would allow federal courts to suspend parts of a sentence for these young victims. This means they might not have to serve the full time.
• Would define a "youthful victim offender" as someone under 18 convicted of a violent crime. The court must find, by clear and convincing evidence, that they were a victim of trafficking, abuse, or assault by the person they harmed within the past year.
• Would require the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and update its guidelines. This would ensure they match these new rules for sentencing youthful victim offenders.