THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

189

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

requesting a study on career criminals and the feasibility of instituting enhanced penalties for multiple felony convictions.

 

WHEREAS, many individuals who commit the most heinous of crimes frequently possess a history of criminal convictions; and

WHEREAS, the State of California enacted an enhanced penalty of a mandatory twenty-five years to life term of imprisonment for career criminals convicted of a felony for the third time; and

WHEREAS, the federal government and twenty-five other states have similar "three-strikes" type laws; and

WHEREAS, the United State Supreme Court recently upheld the imposition of enhanced penalties against a third-time felon pursuant to California law; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii has been the venue of numerous heinous crimes committed by career criminals who have been convicted of multiple felonies; and

WHEREAS, enhanced penalties for career criminals may serve as an effective deterrent against future crimes; and

WHEREAS, the State's obligation to secure the public's health, welfare, and safety compels consideration of enhanced penalties for career criminals; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety, Paroling Authority, and respective County Prosecutor Offices, conduct a study on enhanced penalties for career criminals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include:

(1) A study of individuals in the State who commit multiple crimes, particularly felonies, and their propensity to commit other crimes and crimes of increased seriousness;

(2) A feasibility study on instituting enhanced penalties ("three-strikes" law) for career criminals and repeat felony offenders in the State; and

(3) Recommendations, including proposed legislation, relating to enhanced penalties for career criminals and repeat felony offenders in the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of the Attorney General shall submit its study to the Legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Attorney General, Director of Public Safety, Chairperson of the Paroling Authority, and each County Prosecuting Attorney.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Career Criminals; Enhanced Penalties