The House of Representatives has engrossed a bill mandating stricter laws with respect to the protection of children from sex offenders. This legislation, which is modeled after Florida’s “Jessica’s Law”, creates three new criminal charges and provides a number of mandatory minimum sentences for those who commit sexual assault or rape against a child. 

Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) said, “As the most vulnerable members of our society, it is our highest duty and moral responsibility to protect the children of the Commonwealth. This legislation is essential to ensuring that our criminal justice system brings child abusers and rapist to immediate justice, and that the sentences they serve correspond to the horrific nature of the offence."

The bill also increases the penalty for using a weapon, providing drugs or alcohol to the victim, or using a position of authority to assault a child. In addition, the legislation expands criminal laws regarding subsequent offenses, and amends current law to allow prosecutors to subpoena Internet service providers in order to help track online sexual predators.

The legislation was unveiled several weeks ago by Speaker DiMasi, Chairman O’Flaherty, Attorney General Coakley and several of the 11 District Attorneys supporting the bill. It now proceeds to the Senate for its consideration.