Lawmakers push for stricter penalties for sex crimes against children

 Lawmakers are pushing for stricter penalties for sex crimes against children under 12 years old. Sen. Chris Barnett, Public Safety Committee oversight chair is the main sponsor of Bill 183, or Jessica’s Law. 

"I think what motivated me is in looking around the country, Jessica’s Law has become law in 46 states," he said. "Given our statistics with sexual assault against children, I think it’s very horrifying. If everyone else is doing it, why weren’t we? Really I feel like this measure is long overdue."

The legislation is named after Jessica Lunsford– a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped, raped and murdered in Florida in 2005. 

"Our most vulnerable deserve to be protected and I believe that’s what this bill does," he said. "When we talk about the high recidivism, which is the likelihood these sex offenders will commit similar crimes, I mean the statistics are out there. The longer we can keep them locked up away from the kids, the better."

His measure mandates a minimum 25-year prison sentence for those convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and a minimum 10-year sentence for second-degree criminal sexual conduct against a victim under the age of 12. 

It also allows the courts to impose a lifetime of parole and restricts those serving time from engaging in work release or educational programs outside prison.

"I feel like if 46 other states are doing it and we all know we have a problem with sexual assault on the island, I'm surprised this measure hasn’t been passed sooner," Barnett said. "I'm going to work hard to get this to become law."

A similar attempt to increase penalties was made five years ago. Former senator Louise Muna introduced a variation of Jessica’s law back in 2018, but the bill never made it to the session floor. 

Barnett explained what makes his proposal different.

"I think for me, having the support of my colleagues is very important and I try to get that support even before introducing a bill," he said. "Especially with a measure like this which is very substantial and very needed."

With bipartisan support, namely 11 co-sponsors on the measure, he’s

"I hope the judges don’t give the minimum if this bill becomes law. I hope they give the maximum and lock up these sick perverts and pedophiles for life," Barnett said.