SPECIAL REPORT / ELECTION PREVIEW : DECISION ’94 / A Voter’s Guide to State and Local Elections : Propositions : PROP. 179
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What it is: Thousands of people--mostly teen-agers and children--have been killed or wounded in recent years in drive-by shootings. Under this proposition, the minimum sentence for a second-degree murder conviction in a drive-by shooting would be increased from 15 years to 20. The maximum sentence would still be life imprisonment. Under the state Constitution, it takes passage of a voter initiative to make the change because the original second-degree sentencing law was enacted by a vote of the people.
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Arguments for: Drive-by shootings have become so frequent, particularly in the Los Angeles area, that tougher action must be taken against those who kill and maim from a passing car. This measure will ensure that drive-by killers get long prison sentences even if prosecutors cannot obtain first-degree murder convictions.
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Arguments against: Longer prison sentences mean more costs for the state and a greater likelihood of prison overcrowding.
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Who supports it: Gov. Pete Wilson, state Sen. Ruben Ayala (D-Chino), Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove), Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren and the California District Attorneys’ Assn., Police Chiefs’ Assn., Sheriffs’ Assn. and Peace Officers’ Assn.
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Who opposes it: No one listed in ballot pamphlet.
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