Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has signed a bill that closes a loophole in the state’s three-strikes law.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, makes crimes committed in other states count toward Washington’s three-strikes law. Benton’s bill was brought forward after the case of Chelsea Harrison, a 14-year-old Clark County girl killed by a 45-year-old ex-convict, who committed crimes in Arizona.

Don Benton, R-Vancouver, comments

Under the three-strikes law, a person who commits three of the most serious felonies and other crimes, such as rape, can be sentenced to life in prison.