Governor Matt Blunt has signed into law Missouri’s version of Jessica’s Law, which aims to protect young children from violent sexual offenders. The official signing took place in the Governor’s Capitol office. It was preceded by and followed by a series of ceremonial signings in cities throughout the state. Blunt is pleased with what he considers the main component of this legislation – the creation of a mandatory 30 year prison sentence for forcible sodomy or rape against a child under the age of twelve. In addition, the offender – once out of prison – would be under mandatory lifetime supervision. The legislation also contains a provision that would see $250,000 spent to deal with Internet sexual predators. Blunt says he’s confident this particular part of the law would withstand any constitutional challenges that might come along. The original Jessica’s Law in Florida is named after youngster Jessica Lunsford, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by a predator. The Missouri bill, passed during the 2006 session of the General Assembly, is HB 1698.

Related web sites:
Missouri HB 1698