New Law to Protect Children from Predators
Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law aimed at protecting children from predators, inspired by the tragic case of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. The law, known as Audrii’s Law, was signed on May 24 and marks a significant step forward in the fight against child abuse.
Background of the Law
The legislation, authored by Rep. Trent Ashby and carried in the Senate by Sen. Robert Nichols, expands the list of crimes requiring mandatory sex offender registration in Texas. This change was made in response to the tragic case of Audrii Cunningham, who was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered by a family friend with a history of crimes against children.
The Tragic Case of Audrii Cunningham
Audrii was taken from her family by Don Steven McDougal, a man with a history of crimes against children. McDougal had previously taken a plea deal in a separate case involving a minor and, due to a legal loophole, was not required to register as a sex offender. This loophole allowed him to live near Audrii’s family, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
The Impact of the Law
Under Audrii’s Law, the offense of child grooming will now carry the requirement of mandatory sex offender registration. This change is expected to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy. As Sen. Robert Nichols said during a committee hearing, "We must do everything we can to protect our children from predators." Audrii’s family has spent the past year urging lawmakers to close the loophole that allowed McDougal to avoid registration.
Advocates’ Response
Victim advocates and Audrii’s family have welcomed the new law, saying it was long overdue. "Had this bill been in place, he would never have been near our sweet baby," Audrii’s grandmother, Tabitha Munsch, told lawmakers. Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services at Crime Stoppers of Houston, also praised the law, saying, "The Sex Offender Registry is one of the only tools families have to protect innocent children. This law strengthens that."
Implementation of the Law
Audrii’s Law will officially go into effect on September 1. With this law in place, supporters hope to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy as Audrii’s family.
Conclusion
The signing of Audrii’s Law marks a significant step forward in the fight against child abuse. By expanding the list of crimes requiring mandatory sex offender registration, the law aims to protect children from predators and prevent tragedies like Audrii’s death. As the law goes into effect, it is hoped that it will bring some sense of closure to Audrii’s family and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting children from harm.
