Graves Co-authors Legislation Aimed At Sex Offenders

Graves Co-authors Legislation Aimed At Sex Offenders
Wednesday, September 14, 2005

House Passes Children's Safety Act

(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves co-authored legislation passed by the U.S. House today aimed at deterring and punishing sex offenders. The Children's Safety Act will establish a 30 year jail sentence as the minimum punishment for committing any sex act against a child under 12. The current law does not set a minimum standard for sex offenders.

"The punishment should not only reflect the seriousness of the crime, but it should also serve to protect other innocent children from sexual assault," said Graves. "My provisions would toughen several existing sentencing guidelines and keep sex offenders off the street."

The legislation would also increase sentences for sexual abuse offenses that also include a murder, kidnapping or maiming of a child to a minimum of 30 years in prison. Graves said that harming a child demands a long sentence.

"There is no more cowardly crime than harming a child," said Graves. "These are common sense reforms that will punish those who have harmed our children."

The Children's Safety Act also improves Sex Offender Registration and Notification programs. It requires that sex offenders register before they leave prison and update their registry twice a year in person. Graves said that keeping track of sex offenders will allow parents to protect their children.

"Parents want to raise their children in the safest environment possible," said Graves. "This law will help better protect children everywhere."

http://www.house.gov/graves/newsroom/091405a.htm