FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2006
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 "Jessica's Law" Championed by Rafferty Enacted in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg -- Legislation championed by Senator John Rafferty (R-44) to help law enforcement agencies prosecute and monitor sex offenders to protect children from abuse was signed into law today.

Senate Bill 944, known as Jessica's Law, is named for Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old Florida girl who was kidnapped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. The bill was sponsored by Rafferty and prime sponsor Sen. Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

The new law sets a minimum of 10 years in prison for anyone over 18 years who is convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 16. It requires a 25-year term for a second offense, and mandates a life sentence for anyone convicted of a third offense.

"Society has rightfully determined that these kinds of offenses are so egregious, and the rate of repeat offenses is so high, that we must treat them differently.  Many survivors of child sex crimes are burdened for life by the ordeal. As such, for protection and punishment, stiff penalties are necessary and justified," said Rafferty.

To address the high rate of recidivism, the new law permits parole and probation officials to use GPS monitoring on offenders, said Rafferty.

The bill also provides for the forfeiture of property used by sex offenders in the commission of their crimes, including computers and cars.  Money collected from the forfeitures would be used to fund prosecutions and help support treatment for victims.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, there are over 7,100 registered sex offenders in the state.  Last year, sexual assault centers around the Commonwealth served approximately 38,000 people, nearly a third of whom were children.  Children under 12 account for 34 percent of all sexual assaults. 

"Passage of Jessica's Law in Pennsylvania is part of an ongoing process to combat crimes that destroy lives and shake entire communities," said Rafferty. "The more we learn about these crimes, the better we can craft policy to prevent them. You can't read about Jessica Lunsford and children like her without being moved to take action." 

CONTACT:

Mark Meyer
(717) 787-1398