HB 8, Texas Version of Jessica's Law
Nov 14, 2006 8:18 am US/Central New Bill To Increase Penalties For Sex Offenders Bettie Cross Reporting (CBS 42) AUSTIN It's time to file new bills for the next Texas legislative session, and Texas legislators are wasting no time. One of the first bills introduced cracks down on sex offenders, mandating much stiffer penalties. State Representative Debbie Riddle (R-150th District) has filed legislation that would make sex offenders eligible for the death penalty. It would also mandate GPS monitoring of certain registered offenders. House Bill 8 would become the Texas version of "Jessica's Law." It's named in memory of Jessica Lunsford, the 9-year-old Florida girl who was raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender in 2005. Riddle says the bill will be her top priority when the legislative session gets underway in January. She has three grown children and nine grandchildren and says this bill not only honors Jessica Lunsford, it is necessary for the safety of all of our children. Here are the key points of the new sex offender bill: It makes repeat offenders eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Mandates gps monitoring of certain offenders. Increases the punishment for indecency with a child to up to 99 years in prison. Increases the statute of limitations for sexual assault of a child by 10 years. The legislature will reconvene for the 80th legislative session on Jan. 9. http://keyetv.com/topstories/local_story_318092348.html