The bill requires adult offenders who commit certain sex crimes against children under the age of 13 - including rape - to be sent to prison for 25 years to life.

     

Offenders who are released would be monitored by a Global Positioning System satellite for life. They also would be restricted from entering some areas where children congregate, such as children's museums, playgrounds and child care centers. Sex offenders also would be barred from entering school grounds without written permission from a superintendent.

     

The plan creates new crimes for people who commit rape or other sexual offenses against a child younger than 13. It also boosts the penalties for several sex-related offenses involving children, including promoting prostitution of a minor and sexual exploitation.

The bill is named for Jessica Lunsford, a former Gaston County resident who was kidnapped, raped, and buried alive by a repeat sex offender in Florida in 2005. She was 9 years old.

    

In the wake of Lunsford's death, several states have ratcheted up penalties for child sex offenders. Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford, came to the Legislature last year to lobby for the bill's passage.

The governor will be joined by legislators and Mark Lunsford, Jessica’s father, during the signing of law on Monday.