Keeping our Kids Safe

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.