As soon as the governor signs off, a new array of sex offender penalties and restrictions will go into effect in Ohio:
Lawmakers weary of stories about abuse of children, often by repeat offenders, acted in a number of areas. While many of those efforts were already under way, the desire for stronger punishments got a boost in March when a storm erupted over Franklin County Judge John A. Connor’s decision not to sentence a child-sex offender to prison.
"That kind of brought this to a head," said Rep. Jim Hughes, R-Columbus, a former assistant Franklin County prosecutor. "Sometimes, legislation is enacted and drafted because of current events. I think we need to make sure we send a message to people in Ohio that we are protecting our children."
The legislature unanimously passed the most comprehensive sex-offender bill: Ohio’s version of Jessica’s Law, named for a Florida girl who was raped and murdered by a neighbor.
Once Gov. Bob Taft signs it, the law will boost punishment for rape or attempted rape if the victim is younger than 13. For example, the minimum sentence for rape would increase from 10 years to 25 years.
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