Annapolis (Map, News) - Gov. Martin O’Malley signed a series of law enforcement bills Thursday that included Jessica’s Law, a bill initiated by Republicans with strong bipartisan support. It establishes stiff minimum sentences of up to 25 years for people who sexually abuse children and denies them parole.

Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford, lead sponsor of Jessica’s Law, said she hopes to work with the governor and gain his support for additional measures to protect children.

O’Malley also signed laws increasing penalties for people who possess child pornography, and requiring presentencing investigations for all offenders convicted of sexually abusing a minor.

Sen. Robert Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, said his bill on presentencing will encourage judges to give jail time to sex offenders who may have a long history of abuse before they are actually caught and convicted. “They may have done it 100 times,” Zirkin said. “Now they’re going away.”

O’Malley also signed a new statewide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants that will go into effect Feb. 1. A new measure strongly backed by firefighters also requires cigarettes sold in the state to be self-extinguishing in order to prevent fires.

House Speaker Michael Busch called it “smoke-free Maryland day.”

Other laws enacted include denying learner permits to students who miss more than 10 days in the previous semester; the Gang Prosecution Act, which makes it easier to prosecute gang leaders; and a new tethering law that prohibits dogs from being tied outside from midnight till 6 a.m.

llazarick@baltimoreexaminer.com