Texas Republican Caucus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: JAMES BERNSEN
MARCH 5, 2007 (512) 657-5970

TEXAS HOUSE PASSES JESSICA’S LAW

“A Strong Stand To Protect The Children Of Texas”

Austin, TX -- Members of the Texas House of Representative passed legislation establishing capital punishment for repeat sexual offenders making Texas one of the toughest states in the nation on sex-crimes committed against children.

“Today, Republican members took a strong stand to protect the children of Texas,” said House Republican Caucus Chairman Frank Corte. “By establishing the death penalty as an option for sexual offenders who repeatedly prey on the most vulnerable people in Texas, we have drawn a line in the sand against violent sexual predators.”

The legislation, known as Jessica’s Law, does not mandate the death penalty in such crimes, but allows prosecutors to pursue it against predators who repeatedly target children. The bill, authored by State Representative Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), also creates a new offense for continuous abuse of a child as well as certain provisions protecting teenagers from being prosecuted for consensual sexual relations.

"The house has sent the strongest message to our children that we will do everything in our power to afford them the strongest protections," Riddle said. "Likewise, we have sent the strongest message to the most evil criminals that we will repay their actions with the most severe of penalties, should they ever dare to cause harm to our most precious of resources: our children."

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