Scarnati: Severe Sanctions Must Be Implemented

Warren-State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th Senatorial District announced today that he is a co-sponsor of legislation that would require uncompromising sanctions against sexual predators who prey on children under twelve.

"It is imperative that the legislature take quick and decisive action to protect our most precious resource, our children," Scarnati emphatically noted. "Severe penalties are absolutely necessary to keep our children safe and miscreant pedophiles off the street."

Governor Jeb Bush of Florida has recently signed legislation into law that would require any person convicted of molesting a child to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison, and to thereafter wear a GPS tracking unit for life. A national campaign is underway to pass this law in the remaining 49 states.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of this pending legislation. Keeping our communities safe is and must continue to be a top priority" observed Scarnati. "The unknown marauder who chooses to become a predator must know that he will assuredly lose his freedom if he assaults a child. We must be diligent in our efforts in pursuing this fundamental goal."

This legislation has its roots in the kidnapping and murder of nine year-old Jessica Lunsford of Florida. Scarnati concluded by saying, "We owe it to the people who elected us to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes reality."