Nancy Jacobs Applauds Enactment of Tougher Sex Offender Laws

Annapolis, MD -- Senator Nancy Jacobs applauded the successful enactment of 2010 laws toughening sentencing and pre-trial measures against child sexual predators. SB622, HB289, and HB60 of the 2010 Legislative Session are now law.

SB622- Increased the mandatory minimum penalties for 2nd degree child sexual rape of victims under the age of 13. Previously, penalties were 5 to 15 year sentences. The new law requires 15 year to life sentencing.

HB289- Ended the earning of diminution (also referred to as “good time”) credits for child rapists (1st and 2nd degree) when the victim was under the age of 16. Previously these rapists had been allowed to earn up to nearly one-third reductions in their total sentences and negating the intentions of mandatory minimum sentences.

HB60- This law allows a police officer to arrest a child sexual predator without warrant if he has reasonable cause to believe that the offender has violated pre-or-post trial release.

Senator Jacobs said:

“I believe every child deserves the right to a safe environment to learn, live and thrive in. It is our duty as legislators to pass legislation that protects our children from vile predators now and in the future. I am proud of how far our state has come in locking away this predators in a few shorts. But while we have come a long way, the fight is not over and I intend to continue to pursue legislation that puts child sex offenders behind bars where they can no longer attack our innocent children.”