(Juneau) - Legislation to protect children and adults from the sexual predators is now on its way to Gov. Frank Murkowski to be signed into law.

Today the Alaska Senate voted 18-0 to approve changes made the House to Senate Bill 218. The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Con Bunde (R - Anchorage) and Sen. Gretchen Guess (D- Anchorage).

"The most effective way to prevent new victims is to put away sex offenders for longer periods of time. The offender may get a 25 year sentence, but the victim receives a life sentence," said Sen. Bunde.

"All rapes and molestations are serious crimes with serious consequences for victims and communities," said Sen. Guess, "but current sentencing does not reflect the values in Alaska. It's time to stop tolerating these crimes," said Sen. Guess.

Rep. Mark Neuman (R- Big Lake) led the effort to pass SB 218 in the Alaska House. "My awareness to the issue was heightened when I received a visit from a concerned grandmother last summer. It became very apparent that Alaska needed to strengthen the penalties for these egregious crimes against our youth."

Under SB 218, the worst cases of sexual abuse against a minor will result in a minimum sentence of 25 years. In egregious cases involving an adult victim, the offender faces a minimum 20-year sentence. All sex offenders on parole or probation will be required to undergo routine polygraph exams.

For more information, contact Lauren Rice at (907) 465-4843.

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