O'Malley Vows To Crack Down On Child Sex Offenders

1-26-2010 Maryland:

Governor Martin O'Malley wants to crack down on child sex offenders. New legislation introduced Monday would keep them under surveillance for life. Political reporter Pat Warren explains this is only one of several pieces of legislation being considered this session.

The General Assembly will consider lifetime supervision for child sex offenders and other issues driven by the abduction and murder of 11-year-old Sarah Foxwell, which led to a massive search in Wicomico County. Her body was found Christmas Day.

"If we lose one child to murder, that's one child too many in our state. Whenever these things happen, it inspires all of us to ask one another what we can do, what are the additional things we can do to safeguard the lives of our children?" O'Malley said earlier this month.

Police believe Sarah was abducted and killed by Thomas Leggs, a known child sex offender.

Lawmakers opened this session with Sarah in mind. Governor O'Malley is asking the General Assembly to require lifetime supervision, which may include GPS monitoring. Other bills include increasing the five-year minimum to 20 years and no time off for good behavior.

"If there could be a silver lining to such an awful incident, it's that public opinion and the opinions of the legislators here in Annapolis have been galvanized," said Delegate Steve Schuh, a co-sponsor of the bill.

Any issues regarding Constititutional rights will likely be heard in a public hearing. Public hearings have not been scheduled yet. ..Source.. WJZ13.com