Dewhurst Taps Deuell to Carry Jessica's Law
Senate Bill 5 Will Strengthen Child Predator Laws
AUSTIN -- On Wednesday State Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) joined Lt. Governor David Dewhurst at a media availability immediately following the conclusion of the Senate session. Together, they announced the filing of Senate Bill 5, also known as "Jessica's Law." As part of Dewhurst's "Texas Children First" plan, SB 5 will enact the toughest laws in the nation to deal with violent child predators.
Key provisions of Senate Bill 5 include:
- Require mandatory 25 years to life sentences for a first-time violent sexual offense against a child under age 14
- Lifetime GPS monitoring for child sex offenders
- Allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for a second sexually violent offense against a child under age 14
- Double statute of limitations on sexual crimes against children from 10 to 20 years
Deuell said he has been working on the issue, and is eager to take on the responsibility.
"I followed the story of Jessica Lunsford in 2005 and followed the legislation that followed in Florida and other states," Deuell said. "I told my staff at that time to begin working and researching what we needed to do to enact similar measures in Texas."
"As a family physician, I have seen in my practice how these cases can affect the well-being of children and the impact it has on families and society," Deuell said. "As I've said before, I'm simply tired of it. I'm tired of it as a Senator, as a doctor and as a father."
Deuell was thankful for the opportunity to carry the legislation offered praise to the Lt. Governor.
"I want to personally thank Lt. Governor Dewhurst for bringing this issue to the forefront and making it a high priority this session," Deuell said. "It is an honor to serve with him and I applaud his leadership on this issue.