3 strikes, you're in?

February 29, 2012

Tuesday, February 28th Massachusetts City Council held a public meeting to debate amendments to the Habitual Offender Bill, a plan to lengthen punishments for repeat, violent criminals. Opposers, though, question its cost and supposed benefits.

Councilor Charles Yancey sponsored a resolution for the bill saying, “I am concerned that we’re going to close the doors on too many people...[who] may have had an opportunity to receive treatment.”

The bill, if enacted, would have major public effect. Catching and retaining violent, repetitive criminals shows a potential relief for Massachusetts citizens. But the definition of “violent” is at the heart of the controversy.

Opposers of the bill  include five Boston City Councilors and multiple local and state organizations. These parties question the wording of the bill, saying it may sentence nonviolent offenders to a life in prison, such as drug criminals who could be removed from prison with rehabilitation.

The financing for life sentences may also cost taxpayers. Nancy Murray, American Civil Liberty Union Education Director, spoke at the meeting saying, “the bill would push back any chance of parole, and in many cases, would strip it away entirely.” And with a “price tag of $50,000 per person per year,” she says, “we can’t afford it.”

The reaction by the supporters only further confused those listening. Bruce Tarr, alongside The Senate Ways and Means Committee insists that “‘the Yancey Resolution’ compares the habitual offender bill to the so called three-strikes law” which sentences criminals to life in prison after three violent felonies.

Tarr says these are not synonymous, that the bill “requires repeat offenders to serve a maximum punishment for a 3rd offense.” The argument suggests that the finance will be a non-issue for taxpayers.

The confusing tiff between the supporters and opposers continues to hold off the official decision of the bill. The permanent fate of the bill is posed to be in place by the end of March, this year.