BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick says he is still weighing whether to ask lawmakers for an amendment to the so-called "three strikes" crime bill now on his desk.
But Patrick also told WTKK-FM on Thursday that he's mindful that the legislative session ends in a few days and does not want to see the bill die without further action.
The bill includes a provision that would bar parole for three-time violent offenders. But Patrick wants to allow judges discretion to grant parole under very limited circumstances.
Patrick has until Sunday to act on the bill, which also reduces some mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders and shrinks from 1,000 feet to 300 feet the zone around schools in which penalties for certain crimes are enhanced.
The bill is named after Melissa Gosule, who was killed by a man with 27 prior convictions. Melissa's father, Les, is waiting for updates from the governor's office. Wednesday night, he spoke with Maria Stephanos about his fight for the new law. Watch the interview here.
