http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0414three-strikes0414.html

'3 strikes' measure goes to governor

Associated Press Apr. 14, 2006 12:00 AM

A criminal sentencing bill to target violent repeat offenders is headed to Gov. Janet Napolitano's desk.

The Senate on Thursday approved, 18-8, Senate Bill 1444, previously approved by the House. It would require life sentences for felons convicted three times of violent crimes or certain other serious crimes.

More than 20 other states have three-strikes law.

The sponsor of a Senate measure that was a predecessor to the bill approved Thursday has said failure to enact a similar law would encourage violent criminals to move to Arizona.

Arizona law already provides for longer prison sentences for repeat offenders and those whose crimes involve deadly weapons or serious physical injury.

The bill would require a life term for a third conviction for any of an assortment of offenses.

Crimes that would trigger the requirement would include murder, drive-by shooting, kidnapping, sexual assault, child molestation, first-degree burglary of an occupied home, arson of an occupied structure, armed robbery, terrorism and child prostitution.

A fiscal impact analysis concluded that the bill would increase general-fund costs for the Arizona Department of Corrections because of the lengthening of some inmates' sentences, but the impact will most likely not occur for about 15 years.