CLC supports stiffer penalties for repeat child abusers

Posted: 3/09/07

CLC supports stiffer penalties
for repeat child abusers

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

AUSTIN—The Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission applauds Texas lawmakers for moving quickly on a bill known as Jessica’s Law, which would stiffen penalties against repeat child abusers.

“From the beginning, we have been very concerned about any legislation that has to do with sexual predators and criminal sexual misconduct,” CLC Director Suzii Paynter said. “We take very seriously the safety of the children in Texas in all aspects of life—at home and at school.

“Jessica’s law is trying to address the seriousness of this crime and the prevalence of it. It reminds us of the many avenues of sexual crime against children and makes us aware of the tragedy of sexual predators. Harsh penalties are one part of the solution. Another tool would be identification and prevention programs that would keep this from happening in the first place.”

The legislation creates a 25-year minimum sentence for first-time child molesters and makes second child molestation violations a capital felonies, punishable by a life sentence without parole or the death penalty. The proposed bill also eliminates the statue of limitations in child sexual assault cases.

The bill, authored by Tomball Republican Rep. Debbie Riddle, passed through the House March 6, and must go through the Senate and onto the governor’s desk before it becomes law.

The legislation is named after 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, who was abducted from her Florida home, sexually assaulted and murdered by a convicted sex offender in 2005. In response, 20 states have passed some version of Jessica’s Law.

“Jessica’s Law ensures that the worst of the worst will suffer serious consequences for the abuse of any child,” Riddle said. “They will face long sentences for their crimes, and for those who cannot be deterred, they will be stopped and removed from society. I applaud Speaker (Tom) Craddick and the state leadership for recognizing the urgency of this issue and working together as a team to pass this legislation.”