Jessica Bill

TALLAHASSEE -- Sex offenders who molest children will face longer prison terms and tougher monitoring under a bill the Florida House passed unanimously Friday and sent to Gov. Jeb Bush. Bush said he will sign the legislation as quickly as possible.

The bill (HB 1877) is the legislative response to the murder of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford of Citrus County. A sex offender who had eluded his supervision has been charged with her killing.

But as lawmakers engaged in the often emotional debate over the "Jessica Lunsford Act," they witnessed another killing -- of 13-year-old Sarah Lunde in Hillsborough County earlier this month. Another sex offender has been arrested in her murder.

House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City, said the deaths prompted lawmakers to act as quickly as they could to strengthen the sex offender laws.

"Poor Jessica Lunsford. It's a horrible thing that happened," he said. "It's a shame that it takes something like that sometimes to reveal some of the problems that are in the system."

Bush said he supports the legislation, which was approved in a 115-0 vote by the House. The Senate endorsed it 40-0 Thursday.

But the governor also said the tougher crime-fighting legislation has to be supported by stronger funding.

"My one caveat in all of these issues is that we make sure we fund the criminal justice system adequately," Bush said. "Passing laws without funding the consequences of those laws is inappropriate."

Bush said he had been concerned that the initial House budget did not meet his goals for the state Department of Corrections. House leaders say there will be more than enough money for the state prison system once the final budget negotiations are concluded.

Key elements in the Jessica Lunsford Act include:

Requiring a minimum sentence of at least 25 years for offenders who molest children under the age of 12. The criminals could face up to a life sentence and would be placed on lifetime satellite monitoring if they are ever released from prison.

Requiring satellite monitoring of offenders who molest children between the ages of 12 and 15 once they are released from prison and put on probation.

Mandating that sex offenders personally check in with their local sheriff's office twice a year.

Making it a felony for anyone to harbor a sex offender.

Allowing electronic monitoring of sex offenders who violate the terms of their probation or community control. This provision is aimed at expanding the tougher monitoring to sex offenders who are now in their communities but who wouldn't otherwise be subject to the new law.

Lawmakers have agreed to provide an additional $12 million that would pay for the cost of the tougher penalties in the first year of operation, including purchasing an additional 1,200 satellite monitoring units.

Supporters say the bill will significantly strengthen the state's sex offender laws.

"With a much higher standard than most states, Florida will not be a safe haven for sexual predators," Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, said in a statement. "Young children are in danger and tougher laws with aggressive enforcement will help protect them."