Watch CBS News

Lawmakers To Hold Parole Overhaul Hearing About 'Melissa's Law'

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts lawmakers are preparing to hear testimony on the best ways to overhaul the state's parole system.

The Statehouse hearing Wednesday follows the December shooting death of Woburn Police Officer John Maguire, allegedly at the hands of a career criminal who had received three life terms but had been paroled.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports.

Podcast

Gov. Deval Patrick has filed a bill that would require anyone convicted of a third serious felony to receive the maximum sentence and begin serving it only after completing any prior sentences.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have filed a separate bill that would bar parole for anyone sentenced for a third serious felony.

Their bill is named after Melissa Gosule, killed in 1999 by a Falmouth man who had 27 convictions but had served less than two years in prison.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.