Sex offenders who molest children will face longer prison terms and tougher monitoring if they return to their communities under the Lunsford Bill (HB 1877). Florida Governor Jeb Bush said he will sign the measure into law as quickly as possible.

Bush said he supports the legislation, which was approved in a 115-0 vote by the House. The Senate endorsed it in 40-0 vote last Thursday.

The Jessica Lunsford Bill is named for the nine-year-old Citrus County child that was murdered earlier this year. A sex offender who had eluded supervision violating his probation is charged with the murder.

The Jessica Lunsford Act includes:

*Requiring a minimum sentence of at least 25 years for offenders who molest children under the age of 12. The criminals could face up to a life sentence and would be placed on lifetime satellite monitoring if they are ever released from prison.

*Requiring satellite monitoring of offenders who molest children between the ages of 12 to 15 once they are released from prison and put on probation.

*Mandating that sex offenders personally check in with their local sheriff’s office twice a year.

*Making it a felony for anyone who harbors a sex offender.

*Allowing electronic monitoring of sex offenders who violate the terms of their probation or community control. This provision is aimed at expanding the tougher monitoring to sex offenders who are now in their communities but who wouldn’t be subject to the new law.

Information about sex offenders living in Lafayette County can be obtained by logging onto www3.fdle.state.fl.us/sexual_predators.