In a rare unanimous vote the State Assembly has approved new tougher penalties for some sex offenders. The bill known as “Chelsea’s Law” is now on its way to the governor.
Governor Schwarzenegger doesn’t often take a stand on legislation before it reaches his desk, but the bipartisan bill is one he’s said he looks forward to signing.
The measure requires life sentences without parole for the most violent sex offenders who target children. It’s named for 17-year old Chelsea King, a San Diego-area girl who was raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. GOP Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher wrote the bill.
“This legislation is an effort that will put California at the forefront of how it prevents sexual attacks against our children and how it deals with the system in a smart, thoughtful way,” said Fletcher.
The measure also increases parole terms for offenders who target kids under the age of 14 – and restricts sex offenders’ ability to enter parks. Fletcher says the measure won’t cost the state any additional money.
