TRENTON – The Senate passed bill S380/A642, the “Jessica Lunsford Act,” which increases penalties of certain sex offenders and persons who harbor them.
The bill passed unanimously, 30-0.
This bill is named for Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old Florida girl who was sexually assaulted and murdered by a sex offender.
The proposed law in New Jersey is modeled on legislation which was enacted by Florida.
“It will make sure if somebody sexually assaults a child they will be put in jail for a minimum of 25 years,” Sen. Diane Allen, (R-7), Edgewater Park, said.
“I’m thankful we’re going to finally move this bill. It’s very important we get this done.”
The bill also has stringent penalties for harboring sex offenders.
