Jessica's Law Bill Signing

Jessica's Law was signed into law on Thursday, May 17. Jessica's Law increases penalties on child sexual offenders allowing no possibility of parole and a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty five years.

Senator Jacobs appreciates Governor O'Malley's support of this important legislation and hopes for his continued support to protect Maryland's children from sexual offenders in future legislation.

It is Senator Jacobs plan to introduce additional legislation during the next session that will increase the penalties for child pornography as well as add more specific penalties to Jessica's Law.

The provisions of Jessica's Law include:

• Those convicted of a 1st degree sexual offense or 1st degree rape will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life with no chance of parole.
   
• Those convicted of a 2nd degree sexual offense or a 2nd degree rape will not be sentenced to more than 20 years, but not less than a five year mandatory sentence without the possibility of parole.
   
• Those convicted of a 3rd degree sexual offense will not be sentenced to more than 10 years, but not less than a mandatory two years sentence without the possibility of parole.

Senator Jacobs made the following statement regarding the signing of Jessica's Law:

"I am pleased that Governor O'Malley plans to sign Jessica's Law. It is my hope to work with the Governor and gain his support for additional measures to protect our children.

Jessica's Law is a big step forward in protecting Maryland's children from sexual offenders. We can't afford to rest on our laurels, but we must take this victory and use it to further efforts to protect our most treasured resource, our children."