SENATE CALLS FOR '3 STRIKES' STUDY

LEGISLATURE:But lawmakers see slight chance that Davis will approve the
independent research.

Critics of the state's "three strikes, your out" law were pleased that the
Senate voted Thursday for an independent study of the law but have little
hope that Gov. Gray Davis will authorize the research.

"I'm praying, but I'm a little bit afraid," said Fountain Valley insurance
broker Sue Reams. Reams' son Shane is serving a 25-year-to-life sentence
after two burglary convictions and a third strike for standing lookout while
a friend sold a $25 rock of cocaine to an undercover cop.

Reams, Assembly members Scott Baugh, R-Huntington Beach, and Bill Campbell,
R-Villa Park, and state Sen. Joe Dunn, D-Garden Grove, are among those
wanting to take a second look at the law.

Earlier studies have conflicted. SB873 calls for a study by an independent
panel to determine how effective the law has been in reducing crime and
examine the frequency with which petty criminals with no history of violence
receive the minimum 25-year sentence.

Reams and bill author Sen. John Vasconcellos, D-Santa Clara, would like to
require the third strike to be a violent one. Others, like Baugh, aren't
ready to change the law but want a study.

Davis is a supporter of the law and is expected to veto the proposal, Baugh
said. A similar measure was vetoed last year by then-Gov. Pete Wilson.
Another veto is just fine with Assemblywoman Pat Bates, R-Laguna Neguel.

"We need more evidence that this is not working," Bates said. "I need to
hear a more resounding chorus that there's something wrong."

Reams vows that Bates will indeed hear that chorus sooner or later.

"We've got to keep educating the public on what's really going on," Reams said.