66 Changes to
“Three Strikes” Law
Initiative

In 1994, California voters passed the “Three Strikes” law. If someone has already been convicted of a serious or violent felony, they get a longer sentence when convicted of any new felony, even if it is not violent. Examples of violent felonies are murder and armed robbery.
 

Only serious or violent felonies would make repeat offenders get “Three Strikes” sentencing, not any felony. Prop 66 also cuts back the number of crimes that are considered a serious or violent felony. “Three Strikes” inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies would go back to court to get shorter sentences. There would also be longer sentences for sex crimes against children.
 

The savings from lowering the number of prisoners could grow to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Courts and local jails might spend tens of millions of dollars to change inmates’ sentences.
 

Arguments for Prop 66:		Arguments against Prop 66:
Prop 66 keeps serious and violent felons in prison, but saves money by reducing sentences for nonviolent crimes. About 65% of those serving “Three Strikes” sentences were convicted of nonviolent offenses. website		Judges can already give shorter sentences for nonviolent third felonies. Prop 66 makes too many crimes not serious or violent. Local jails and courts already have too much work to change inmates’ sentences. website