NCJ Number
149584
Journal
State Legislative Report Volume: 19 Issue: 6 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 1-9
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes selected, significant crime enactments in State legislatures through May 1994; reference to some late 1993 enactments from special sessions or from States with year-round legislatures are also included, as is selected pending legislation from States in session.
Abstract
The most popular provision of crime legislation in 1994 involves tougher sentences for repeat offenders who commit serious and violent crime. Although many States already had mandatory minimum provisions that apply to repeat violent offenses, and nearly all States have some type of habitual offender law for repeat felons, the three-time loser notion caught on in Washington State and beyond. By early 1994 approximately half the States had "three strikes" or similar bills introduced. States have taken a variety of approaches this year to "truth" and certainty in sentencing. These include the elimination of parole for specified serious offenses, limitations on plea agreements, instructions to juries on how much time a convicted offender will actually serve, and provisions for alternative sentencing. Much of the Nation's anti-crime mood has focused on increasing violence among juveniles. In recent years States have explored how to adapt the management of youthful offenders to better fit the increasingly serious and violent nature of juvenile crime. States have created new systems and services to expand options for dealing with juvenile offenders. Efforts to deal with the causes and prevention of crime have been prominent in State legislatures this year. Activity has focused on high-risk juveniles, schools, and high-crime communities. Other notable actions have addressed more expedient ways to handle death-penalty cases after conviction and expanded victim services and rights. Charts show what anti-crime provisions various States have enacted.