The senate and assembly agree. People who commit sexual against children should face the toughest penalties imaginable.

That’s why the New York State Senate gave final legislative passage to Jessica’s Law (S.8459), sponsored by a number of senators from across the state, which would impose tougher penalties on those who commit sexual crimes against children, further strengthening New York’s sexual assault laws.

The legislation is named for Jessica Lunsford, a nine-year-old-girl who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered by a registered sex offender living in her neighborhood in Florida. “Jessica’s Law” was first signed in Florida last year.

Jessica’s father came to Albany last year to meet with legislators and to urge the state to enact Jessica’s law.

The legislation we have passed will significantly increase penalties for crimes against children and further punish the worst-of-the-worst sexual predators as well as repeat sexual offenders. The law will not only help make sure sexual predators serve longer sentences, but also will be an incredibly powerful deterrent to offenders that have already been released.