H.R. 1505, the Jessica Lunsford Act, (introduced by Rep. Brown-Waite with Rep. Wasserman Schultz as an original co-sponsor) is intended to provide greater accountability of sexual offenders and predators to local law enforcement agencies.  In addition to requiring an increased number of address verifications throughout the year, H.R. 1505 allows for the physical monitoring of repeat offenders.  Also, the bill gives probation officers information about the specific status of the offenders and predators.  Finally, jail time and fines are imposed for violations of timely reporting by offenders.

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz made the following statement at the press conference:

"Legislation like the Jessica Lunsford Act is essential to close the loopholes that have too often been exposed by these criminals who will re-commit the same crimes.

Without tightening the laws surrounding this epidemic, the problem will continue to worsen.

As a mother of three young children and as a Member of Congress, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure that my children and children everywhere are safe and free of any threat to their safety and wellbeing.

We cannot afford to go easy on these convicted criminals and that we must continue to examine ways to solve this problem.

Children are our most vulnerable members of society.  It is up to us as adults, it is up to us as parents, it is up to us as legislators to ensure that our children are protected from those individuals who would do them harm."