AB 327 Summary

• Modifies California's Three Strikes law to require that defendants receive a life sentence with two or more prior serious or violent felony convictions only if the current offense is also a serious or violent felony.

• Allows prosecutors to seek a life sentence for defendants with two or more prior serious or violent felonies even with a non-serious/non-violent current offense if certain exceptions apply, including controlled substance charges with specific allegations, felony sex offenses, firearm use, or specific prior violent convictions.

• Requires changes to Penal Code Sections 667, 667.1, 1170.12, and 1170.125 governing sentencing enhancements and Three Strikes provisions.

• Becomes effective only upon voter approval at the November 4, 2014 statewide general election, unless an initiative measure amending these provisions is approved by voters at the November 6, 2012 election, in which case this bill would not be submitted to voters.

• Requires amendment by future legislatures only through rollcall vote with two-thirds membership concurring, or by statute approved by voters.