Crimes: serious and violent felonies.

Existing law, as added by Proposition 8, an initiative act known as the Victims' Bill of Rights Act, among other things, defines a serious felony. Existing law, as amended by Proposition 21, another initiative act, further defines a violent felony. Under existing law, a person who is convicted of or who has a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony is subject to additional years of imprisonment in the state prison, as specified. The Legislature may amend either of those initiative acts by a statute passed in each house by a 23 vote, or by a statute that becomes effective only when approved by the voters. This bill would include, within the definition of a violent felony, crimes related to the willful harm or injury to a child, assault resulting in death of a child under 8 years of age, and cruel or inhuman corporal punishment of a child, as specified. The bill would include, within the definition of serious felony, the crimes noted above as well as human trafficking and luring or transporting a minor away from the minor's home without consent. Because this bill would amend those initiative acts described above, it would require a 23 vote. Because the bill would impose additional duties on local prosecutors, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.