Lt Gov David Dewhurst

From district attorneys to police departments and from victims' rights groups to parents of murdered children, Lt. Governor Dewhurst met with many people to hear and discuss how we can better protect Texas children. Texas children are our most valuable resource and we must continue to fight for them, to fight for their safety and to fight for their future.

In searching for groups that have been instrumental in fighting for victims' rights, Texas EquuSearch popped up consistently. The unique manner in which your group offers assistance to people in need had an impact on Lt. Governor Dewhurst.

One of the issues close to the hearts of Texas EquuSearch and Lt. Governor Dewhurst is implementing Jessica's Law in Texas. Lt. Governor Dewhurst recently introduced Texas Children First, a five-point plan which aims to protect and promote a safe and healthy environment for Texas children. The centerpiece of Texas Children First is the adoption of Jessica's Law in Texas. (Click here to sign the petition)

Lt Gov Dewhurst & Texas EquuSearch

Jessica's Law is named after Jessica Lunsford, a 9 year-old Florida murder victim who was kidnapped, raped and buried alive by a previously convicted sex offender. Lt. Governor Dewhurst stood with Mark Lunsford, Jessica's father, to unveil his proposals for a Texas version of Jessica's Law, which would be among the toughest in the nation.

The Texas version of Jessica's Law Dewhurst proposed will require a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and lifetime monitoring of adults convicted of sexual abuse against victims less than 14-years-old, death penalty for offenders convicted of two sexual offenses against a victim less than 14 years of age; and doubling the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases from 10 to 20 years.

Lt. Governor Dewhurst is continuing to learn more about what Texas can do to better identify missing persons. Texas EquuSearch had some excellent insight and ideas on how we can address this issue and as we move forward closer to session, we will examine their specific requests.

10/05/2006 - Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and state Attorney General Greg Abbott called Tuesday for tougher laws on sexual predators who solicit minors online. read full story>>