cases, DDRD charges are used against an individual who shared
the drug with a friend or loved one; and
WHEREAS, DDRD charges disproportionately affect nonwhite
individuals, especially Black men, with charges filed at a
higher level if the victim is white and the dealer is nonwhite;
and
WHEREAS, In general, nonwhite defendants were found to have
increased sentence lengths of approximately 2.1 years longer
than white defendants, with the median sentence for nonwhite
defendants being eight years compared to five years for white
defendants; and
WHEREAS, The effect of DDRD charges must be thoroughly
studied to identify any racial disparities affecting those
prosecuted, their families and their communities; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to conduct a
study and issue a report on how drug delivery resulting in death
(DDRD) convictions affect individuals and their communities; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize drug
use disorders as a public health crisis and understand the
importance of ending overdose deaths and holding those involved
accountable; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge that
racial bias regarding drug convictions disproportionately
affects nonwhite members of our community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study by the Pennsylvania Commission on
Crime and Delinquency include recommendations to ensure that
DDRD convictions are being used equitably and with an eye toward
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