A CRACKDOWN ON CRIME, MIXED SIGNALS ON GUNS.

Don't shoot! That's timely advice for anyone planning a crime spree in
Florida from this day forth. For among the laws taking effect today is Gov.
Jeb Bush's "10-20-Life" law. It mandates stiff penalties for using a gun in
a crime.

In the commission of a felony, for example, toting a gun gets at least 10
years, firing it gets 20 and wounding someone 25 or more. No judicial
discretion is allowed.

The same rigidity is found in the "three strikes and you're out" law that
also takes effect today. A third conviction for a violent felony or a
serious drug offense means that you're put away for a long, long time.

Shed no tears for the hard-core offenders that this law will take off the
streets. Some have had scores of second chances but continued preying on
others. They deserve to be behind bars -- for society's safety and for their
victims' sense of closure.

Yet many judges will tell you that for every hard-core bad guy who shows up
in court, there are several bumbling losers -- most of them young and
foolish -- who have managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or
else were caught in the grip of a drug addiction for which there was always
punishment available but never timely treatment. Tying the judges' hands in
these kinds of cases is much more troubling.

Moreover, these punitive new laws don't add up to a sensible, multifaceted
anti-crime program. Florida continues to short-change crime-prevention
programs such as education, recreation and drug rehabilitation.

Legislative interest in crime has risen almost as fast as the crime rate has
fallen. Even so, lawmakers did address other huge issues. Starting today,
for instance, clothing stores no longer may place surveillance cameras in
dressing rooms to deter shoplifters and/or titillate clerks. Cell-phone
users will pay 50 cents more each month for an improved 911 system that can
locate cell-phone callers in distress over traffic accidents or roaming
charges. And motorists not content with a bumper sticker may order a
``Choose Life'' license plate.

Also taking effect today: the state budget; a Lawton Chiles Endowment using
tobacco money to help children's health; and the Florida Forever Act
extending the Preservation 2000 land-buying program.

Then there's "Kayla's Law." It's named for Kayla McKean, a six-year-old
Clermont girl who died a victim of her father's abuse and the state's failed
efforts to protect children. It wisely gives law enforcement an expanded
role in abuse investigations.

Also new in the name of child safety: Cops may stop drivers for failing to
place a young child in a child-restraint seat. Safety-conscious parents
might also consider equipping their kids with a bulletproof vest.

Indeed, beginning today, out-of-state visitors who are licensed to carry a
concealed weapon in their home state, no matter how lax its laws, may pack a
rod here as well . . . until it's used in a crime.