ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law the sexual predator legislation (HB1059), Wednesday, April 26, 2006.  Douglas County District Attorney David McDade joined the Governor and the bill’s author House Majority Leader Jerry Keen along with Speaker Glenn Richardson, State Senator Bill Hamrick and many other legislators and District Attorneys who worked hard for the passage of this legislation.

The sexual predator bill is tough legislation that will mandate lengthy prison sentences for aggravated sex offenses and aggravated acts of child molestation as well as monitoring those criminals who commit these acts for life.
       
“I am proud to stand with Governor Perdue and Majority Leader Keen as the toughest child predator law in the Country is signed into law,” stated McDade.  “I know this new law will send a message that crimes against children are not tolerated in Georgia and we do everything possible to protect our youth.”

House Bill 1059 requires 25 years of mandatory minimum sentencing for aggravated sex offenses and aggravated child molestation followed by probation and monitoring for life.  This legislation also increases the minimum time required to be served for a life sentence.  Under the new law any sentence to life will have to serve at least 30 years before being eligible for parole.

HB 1059 also includes lesser penalties in what has been called the “Romeo and Juliet” provisions.   For those cases that involve teenagers involved in sexual activity between the ages of 13 to 18, misdemeanor punishment is authorized.

McDade serves as the legislative chair of the Georgia District Attorneys Association.  During the 2006 session of the Georgia General McDade spent numerous hours representing the district attorneys and assisting legislators as they crafted legislation that impacts the criminal justice system.