Gibbons backs sexual predator law

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., has added his name to legislation designed to strengthen tracking of sex offenders.

The proposal authored by Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., would require every state to maintain a sex offender database and strengthen registration requirements for offenders released from prison. First-time offenders would have to register for up to 20 years and second offenders or violent offenders for life.

They would all be required to report every time they change addresses and to register in person every six months - three months for violent offenders - instead of annually.

And it would impose stiffer penalties for failing to register.

Gibbons said he will ask for amendments to add requirements similar to those already in effect in Nevada including requiring sex offenders to renew their driver's license annually.