Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §1251-A is enacted to read:

§1251-A.__Imprisonment for habitual violent offenders

1.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Habitual violent offender" means a person who:

(1)__Is convicted in this State of any violent offense; and

(2)__Has 2 prior convictions for violent offenses in this State or 2 prior convictions for conduct substantially similar to a crime listed in paragraph B that is a crime under the laws of the United States or any other state.__For purposes of this paragraph, the dates of both of the prior convictions must precede the commission of this offense.__The date of the conviction is deemed to be the date that the sentence is imposed, even though an appeal was taken.__The date of a commission of a prior offense is presumed to be that stated in the complaint, information, indictment or other formal charging instrument, notwithstanding the use of the words "on or about" or the equivalent.

B.__"Violent offense" means one of the following offenses:

(1)__Murder;

(2)__Felony murder;

(3)__Manslaughter;

(4)__Aggravated assault;

(5)__Elevated aggravated assault;

(6)__Gross sexual assault;

(7)__Sexual abuse of a minor;

(8)__Unlawful sexual contact;

(9)__Sexual exploitation of a minor;

(10)__Kidnapping;