The proposed changes in SB 770 would significantly influence how certain violent crimes are prosecuted under California law. By reclassifying specific crimes as violent felonies, the bill aims to deter individuals from committing these offenses and increase accountability for repeat offenders. With the introduction of stricter sentence enhancements—a three-year additional term for each prior violent felony conviction—this legislation could lead to longer incarceration periods for offenders, potentially impacting prison populations and recidivism rates. However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of harsher sentencing in achieving real public safety improvements.
Senate Bill 770, introduced by Senator Glazer and coauthored by Senator Nielsen on February 17, 2017, seeks to amend California's Penal Code, particularly Sections 667.5 and 2933.5, to redefine and expand the classification of violent felonies. This bill seeks to add several offenses, such as human trafficking, elder and dependent adult abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and specified sexual offenses, to the list of crimes that would qualify for stricter sentencing enhancements. Under the bill, certain crimes would carry increased penalties, aiming to impose longer prison terms for repeat offenders of these highlighted violent felonies.
While there's general support for stricter penalties on heinous crimes, SB 770 is not without contention. Critics argue that the bill may exacerbate issues related to prison overcrowding and may not address the root causes of crime effectively. Additionally, there are concerns about maintaining the balance between punitive measures and rehabilitative approaches in the criminal justice system. The bill also includes provisions stating that no state reimbursement is required to local agencies for the costs incurred due to these changes, which may provoke further debate on fiscal responsibilities linked to implementing such laws.