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Public Safety

California Senate Passes Chelsea's Law

State senators unanimously approved a law allowing some convicted child molesters to be locked up for life, in response to the slayings of two teenagers in San Diego County.

The bill - Chelsea's Law - passed the Senate today. The legislation would reserve life-without-parole for adult predators who kidnap, drug, bind, torture or use a weapon while committing a sex crime against a child.

The life terms could be handed to first-time as well as repeat offenders.

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The bill was named after 17-year-old Chelsea King, who was murdered in a San Diego County park this year. A convicted child molester has pleaded guilty to raping and killing King and 14-year-old Amber Dubois.

The bill returns to the Assembly to consider Senate amendments.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he's sign the legislation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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