'Three Strikes' Law Could Undermine College Opportunity.

This report attempts to assess the impact on affordable higher education in California of the state's "three strikes" law enacted early in 1994. The report estimates that, as written, the state would not only have to use all expected increased revenues but also find additional amounts to maintain the increased prison population. It suggests three modifications, which by removing certain types of felonies from the provisions under the law, would reduce projected costs. The report also notes that because higher education competes with other state services for funds, higher correctional costs will impact directly on funds available for education. The report foresees three major public policy options should this occur: severely limit enrollment in public colleges and universities; impose higher student charges; or increase taxes. It goes on to note that it is inconsistent with current realities of state finance to simultaneously advocate for the law, as written, and the preservation of accessible and affordable public colleges and universities. Six graphs chart some of the data on which the report is based. (CH)