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For Immediate
Release
6/7/06
CONTACT:
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Rafferty Votes
to Move Historic Jessica's Law Out of Appropriations Committee
HARRISBURG -- State Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr. (R-44) voted today to move Senate Bill
944, commonly referred to as Pennsylvania's Jessica's Law, out of the Senate
Appropriations Committee. The legislation, jointly sponsored by Senators Orie
and Rafferty, passed the Senate Appropriations Committee overwhelmingly and now
heads for a Senate vote.
"This
legislation is critical to protecting children and ensuring that repeat
offenders aren't released only to abuse another child," Rafferty added. "It not
only increases penalties for those who prey on children but ensures that when
sexual offenders are released their whereabouts are known and monitored."
Senate Bill 944
would impose a mandatory minimum of 25-years and up to 50 years imprisonment for
a first-time offender convicted of rape or involuntary deviate sexual
intercourse involving a child less than 13 years of age. It also imposes a
minimum sentence of 50 years to life imprisonment for anyone convicted of rape
or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse involving a child which results in
serious bodily injury.
The bill
contains additional penalties for anyone convicted of knowingly harboring or
aiding a sex offender who has failed to register under the current requirements
contained in Megan's Law.
Other important
provisions of the bill would aid in monitoring the whereabouts of sexual
predators and prohibit their presence within close proximity to daycares,
schools, and other facilities where children traditionally congregate.
Sexually
violent predators would be required to wear a GPS transceiver upon their release
from prison in order for authorities to effectively monitor their movements at
all times. A forfeiture section was also added to Senate Bill 944, similar to
the forfeiture laws currently in place for narcotics offenders, that would allow
the courts to seize property or assets linked to the commission of the crime.
Assets seized would be used offset the daily cost of monitoring sexual
offenders, recently estimated to be roughly $9 per day.
The measure
also enhances the current Megan's Law website and offender reporting
requirements by mandating more specific residence information on the website and
shortening the time permitted for an offender to register after his or her
release or relocation.
"Today we have taken another step
towards better protecting the young children of this Commonwealth and
memorializing young Jessica Lunsford by advancing this legislation out of
committee," Rafferty said.
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