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Three Strikes Stalls In Committee In Santa Fe

Richie Diesterheft via Flickr
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CREATIVE COMMONS

A three strikes enhancement bill stalled in a committee hearing at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe Thursday.

The measure was introduced by Republican Representative Nate Gentry and would have added additional crimes to the state’s current three strikes law. 

“It’s intended to address those individuals who are kind of the turnstile thugs,” Gentry said. “Those folks who commit one violent crime after the next.”

The existing law has never been used. Critics say it’s too specific. A legislative analysis suggested the bill would increase work for public defenders and cost the state $23 milliion over 15 years.

The bill was tabled by a 3-2 vote in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee with lawmakers saying the bill wouldn’t deter crime.