House, Senate Pass Jessica`s Law for Oregon

The law is named after Jessica Lunsford, the 9-year-old Florida girl who was kidnapped, raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender in 2005.

Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Senators Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) saw the culmination of a year`s work Thursday when the Oregon Legislature passed tougher penalties for sex offenders who prey on children.

The proposal was considered a major piece of unfinished business from last year`s legislative session and the two had been working in recent months to keep the issue before Oregonians by putting it on the November ballot.

"Today we took an important step forward to protect our children" stated Senator Starr.

"We need to pass this and give the Governor a chance to be our partner in protecting Oregon children by signing Jessica`s Law."

Senator Bruce Starr is one of three chief petitioners of initiative petition 90. Senator Jason Atkinson had teamed up with Starr and Oregon Crime Victims United to help put the proposal known as Jessica`s Law, on the Oregon ballot for a vote by the people.

"This is the right thing to do for Oregon", said Senator Atkinson.

"I continue to show my commitment to protecting our children and believe by passing Jessica`s Law we are saying that Oregon`s children come first."

If signed by the Governor, House Bill 3511 will require a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years for sex offenders who prey on children. It also requires offenders to be monitored for life once they complete their time behind bars.

"We cannot wait another day to protect children in this state," Starr said.

"Everyday this issue was ignored was another day Oregon`s children were at risk."

Senator Starr believes petitioners for the measure will likely call off their efforts to place Jessica`s Law on the ballot.

House Bill 3511 had strong bipartisan support and overwhelmingly passing in both the House and Senate.

Governor Kulongoski has signaled that he will sign the bill into law.