The bill, approved on a 139-14 vote, would eliminate the opportunity for parole for felons convicted three separate times for violent crimes, ranging from murder, to child rape, to certain types of assault.
The so-called "three-strikes provision" was championed by the family of a woman who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in 1999 by a man who had 27 prior convictions.
Critics of the Habitual Offender Measure argue it will disproportionately target minority groups and lead to more prison overcrowding. The bill now goes to the Senate for a final vote, before going to Governor Deval Patrick's desk.
Ian Pickus, WAMC News
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