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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A sex abuse victim wants to increase the minimum mandatory sentence for sex offenders to 25 years.
The adult victim of child sex abuse has asked the Utah Sentencing Commission to increase the sentence.
The current law places mandatory sentences at six, ten and 15 years to life for third, second and first-degree felonies.
The woman urged the commission to adopt a Florida law known as Jessica's Law that requires a mandatory sentence of 25 years for even first-time sex offenders.
Commission members said the problem with such minimum-mandatory sentences for sex offenses is that sex offenses cover a wide spectrum, with some offenses being more serious than others.
Committee members voted to table discussion on Jessica's Law until next year's legislative session. Some members felt introducing a bill so close to the start of this season's session would appear rushed.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
