A bill introduced by a Spartanberg lawmaker would require additional prison time for persons who have two or more felony convictions. The bill, sponsored by state senator Lee Bright, would impose prison time - at least 10 years but no more than 30 - in addition to the sentence handed down for the criminal offense. The additional prison sentence could not be suspended.

The law, if passed, would apply to violent crimes, drug trafficking and some property crimes.

South Carolina already has a two-strikes/three-strikes law that imposes a lifetime prison sentence on individuals convicted of two crimes that are listed in the law. Advocates of sentencing reform say that the proposed bill wouldn't reduce crime or curtail repeat offenses and would come with significant financial and legal costs.

Spartanburg County's sheriff and prosecutor have both criticized the South Carolina's judicial system, saying that it is unable to prevent repeat offenses.

Source: GoUpstate.com, "Spartanburg lawmaker urges tougher prison sentences", by Stephen Largen, Dec. 11, 2011.