Bill would give molesters life on 2nd offense

Tallahassee, Florida - A legislative panel has approved a bill that the father of 9-year-old-murder victim Jessica Lunsford says would have prevented his daughter's death.

Mark Lunsford spoke on behalf of the measure that would send child molesters 18 years or older to prison for life if convicted more than once of molesting a child under 12.

John Evander Couey was sentenced to death last year for kidnapping Lunsford's daughter, raping her and burying her alive in his yard.

The bill unanimously cleared the House Budget and Policy Council after lawmakers and the audience gave Lunsford a standing ovation. It next will go to the House floor after the Legislature convenes its regular annual session in March.

An identical Senate bill has not yet had a committee hearing.