There are few crimes that classify as more heinous than a sexual one performed on a child. Two bills this session address the penalties for those that commit these acts, both sponsored by Rep. Wimmer (cwimmer@utah.gov).
HB 256 is what is commonly referred to as 'Jessica's Law'. It would increase the penalities for rape, object rape and sodomy of a child to 25 years to life, and attempted sexual assault on a child to a minimum of 15 years. Source Judges do have some discretion on sentences, and may rule differently if they find it in the best interest of justice. These reasons must then be documented. Source Versions of Jessica's Law have been passed around the country, and the father of Jessica Lunsford, the bill's namesake, is here in Utah to testify in support of the bill.
HB 286 would permanently revoke the license of a teacher who molests a student or any other child. While the chances of the Board of Education allowing those that have been found guilty of these crimes to reobtain their teaching licences is currently very small, this bill would ensure that they are denied. It is mostly symbolic legislation, but the feelings this law represents are strong in any parent. Any teacher who violates the special trust they are given in such an atrocious way, should never be able to teach again.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
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3 comments:
When I heard about this bill the first time I couldn't believe that it wasn't a law, it floored me that they could possibly teach again. I believe BOTH of these bills are long overdue and can't believe we haven't done this yet.
I agree, it's amazing that it's taken this long for some so LOGICAL. But sadly, the teacher's unions protect them! They get moved to other districts or move themselves to other states and are right back in the classroom. If they do entirely take them out of the classroom, they still find them a place to pay them. WHAT? In this video John Stossel addresses that and several other school issues: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bx4pN-aiofw
I was at the House of Representatives yesterday at 11:00 when this Bill came up. Before Rep. Carl Wimmer addressed the particulars of the Bill, he said he wanted to acknowledge supporters in the full gallery. He asked some bikers to stand and Ed Smart. He thanked them for their support. There was clapping on the floor and then in the gallery, (which is highly unusual and against the rules). As he read the increased penalties for three specifically horrific crimes committed against children there was a hush in the room. The silence was deafening as each vote "pinged" on the screen. The voting closed and it was announced that Jessicas Law passed unanimously. Representatives on the floor began to stand one by one and clap. The gallery joined to a thundering applause. The moment was moving for me. As I left, I watched the bikers fight back tears and embrace. My own tears began to fall.
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