The Iowa Senate

State of Iowa

Eighty-First General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Steenhoek

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 (515) 281-6571

Senate Approves Zero-Tolerance Policy for Sexual Predators

Bill imposes 25-years-to-life sentences for sex offenders who prey on children

DES MOINES – The Senate today unanimously approved bipartisan legislation, SF 2094, to impose a zero-tolerance policy for sex offenders who prey on Iowa’s children.

“This is a one strike and you are out policy for sexual predators,” said Senate Co-President Jeff Lamberti (R-Ankeny), who is a leading sponsor of the legislation. “This bill will ensure these offenders are not back out on the street to prey on more of Iowa’s children.”

The bill would require a mandatory 25-year minimum prison sentence for an adult convicted of a first-time sexual offense against a child age 12 or under. The legislation is based on Florida’s “Jessica Lunsford Act.” Florida adopted a 25-year minimum sentence for sexual predators in May 2005 after several heinous crimes were committed in that state against children.

“This bill strengthens Iowa’s law for dealing with first-time adult sex offenders who abuse a child,” said Sen. Larry McKibben (R-Marshalltown), the bill’s floor manager. “In the past, Iowa’s approach has been focused on tougher sentences for only those with repeat offenses. It’s time for us to get tough with sexual predators from the start.”

The 25-years-to-life prison sentence would apply to those age 18 or older who are convicted of lascivious acts with a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, or sexual abuse second degree. There would be no possibility of parole.

The current maximum prison sentence for lascivious acts with a child is 10 years; sexual exploitation of a minor is 10 years; and sexual abuse in the second degree is 25 years.

“The more sexual predators we put behind bars for a longer period of time, the less we have to worry about where they live,” said Lamberti.

The bill also would make harboring or protecting a sex offender from law enforcement a Class D felony, carrying a maximum five-year prison term and $7,500 fine. Currently, there is no specified punishment for knowingly and intentionally withholding or providing false information about a sex offender to law enforcement.

“We are sending a message that Iowa will not tolerate this kind of crime,” said McKibben.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

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