The Missouri Senate has approved a bill that would toughen penalties for sex offenders. Kelly Just has the story from Jefferson City.
Under the bill, all second-time sex offenders and some first-time offenders would be declared sexual predators.
That distinction puts convicts on parole for life. Bill sponsor, Senator Betty Sims says the new legislation is meant to keep someone with a true mental illness under the permanent supervision of the Corrections Department.
Sims' bill would also increase jail terms for the crimes of child molestation, rape, and sodomy.
The measure must pass through the House before going to Governor Carnahan's office.
Sims doesn't expect any opposition.
From the Capital, I'm Kelly Just.
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