The state Senate has joined the House in approving a compromise bill aimed at cracking down on habitual violent offenders.
The sentencing overhaul, which also calls for reducing mandatory minimum sentences for some non-violent drug offenders, was approved by senators on a 31-7 vote.
The bill would bar parole for felons who are convicted of three separate violent crimes.
Les Gosule, whose daughter was killed in 1999 by a man with 27 prior convictions, has long advocated for the measure and praised lawmakers for passing it.
Gosule said he hoped Gov. Deval Patrick would keep a promise he made him and sign the bill into law, calling it ‘Melissa’s Law’
Aides say Patrick, who has called in the past for a “balanced” sentencing bill, will review the measure before deciding whether to sign it or seek amendments.
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