Voters to decide on 10 state propositions in Nov. 6 election

10-18-2012 California:

Proposition 35

Human Trafficking. Penalties.

Proposition 35 increases criminal penalties for human trafficking, including 15-years-to-life prison sentences and fines up to $1.5 million. Fines collected would be used for victim services and law enforcement.

A person who is convicted would be required to register as a sex offender. Sex offenders would be required to provide information regarding Internet access and identities they use in online activities. This measure would also require human trafficking training for police officers.

According to the Legislative Analyst, this measure would have a fiscal impact of increased costs to state and local governments, but also has the potential for additional revenues from criminal fines.

Proposition 36

Three Strikes Law. Repeat Felony Offenders. Penalties.

This proposition revises the three strikes law to impose life sentence only when a new felony conviction is serious or violent. If passed, it would re-sentence offenders currently serving life sentences if third strike conviction was not serious or violent and judge determines the new sentence does not pose a public safety risk.

Proposition 36 would continue to impose a life sentence if a third strike conviction was for certain non-serious, non-violent sex or drug offenses, or firearm possession, and it maintains a life sentence penalty for felons with non-serious, non-violent third strikes if prior convictions were for rape, murder, or child molestation.

State and county governments could face one-time costs of a few million dollars over the next couple of years for court activities related to this, but the state could save $70 to $90 million annually over the next couple of decades in prison and parole operations, according to an analysis. ..Source.. by Ramona Sentinel