Assemblywoman Nancy F. Muñoz and Senator Diane Allen were joined by Mark Lunsford in a State House press conference this morning advocating for legislation known as the “Jessica Lunsford Act,” which increases prison sentences for sex offenders and persons who harbor them. Mr. Lunsford is the father of 9-year old Jessica, a young Florida girl who was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered by a registered sex offender in 2005.
Senator Diane Allen (R-7) with Mark Lunsford at a State House press conference on March 21, 2011.
In May 2005, Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz’ late husband, Assemblyman Eric Muñoz, and Senator Allen introduced the original version of the “Jessica Lunsford Act” that included 45 bipartisan sponsors. The last action seen by the current bill was its unanimous approval in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on May 13, 2010, at which time it was referred to the Appropriations Committee where it has languished.
“With 56 Assembly members sponsoring this bill, it should be progressing through the approval process,” said Muñoz, R-Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union. “I appreciate Mr. Lunsford traveling to New Jersey for the second time to advocate for enactment of this legislation. One of society’s primary responsibilities is to protect its children. I intend to vigorously pursue this legislation until it becomes law.”
“New Jersey is one of the few remaining states in the nation not to enact Jessica’s Law,” said Allen, R-Burlington and Camden. “Those who sexually abuse children are the most depraved sort of monsters and should be removed from society for as long as possible. Anyone who would knowingly endanger their community by helping a convicted sex offender conceal his or her identity deserves to spend a good long time behind bars as well. We need to get this done for our children and for the safety of the public at large in New Jersey.”
The “Jessica Lunsford Act” (A-1767/S-533) imposes a mandatory imprisonment of 25 years to life for first-degree sex crimes against children and a three-year sentence on anyone caught harboring or concealing a person not complying with the registration provisions of Megan’s Law.
Sen. Tom Kean, Jr. and Allen are the primary sponsors of the Senate version of the bill.
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