Supporters of a 25-year-mandatory minimum sentence in Vermont for sexual assault on a child say they’ve collected about 12,000 signatures on petitions demanding the change.
And some of those attending a weekend rally for the mandatory minimum — known as Jessica’s Law — say they’re hoping to have 100,000 signatures on petitions by Labor Day.
Among those spearheading the petition drive is Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie. Gov. Jim Douglas also says he’d like to see Vermont adopt Jessica’s law.
The law was named for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, who was kidnapped, raped and buried alive by a convicted sex offender near her Florida home in 2005.