APEX, N.C. — A nationwide push to pass Jessica's Law passed through Apex on Friday.

Jessica Lunsford, 9, was snatched from her Florida home and murdered last year. A convicted sex offender is charged with her murder. Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford, is now on a campaign to put more teeth in the law to protect children.

"These crimes are committed against our kids," said Mark Lunsford. "These guys are able to plead down to a lesser charge. They're able to do five months to one year for molesting a child, and then they go to prison and come right back out and do it again. It's time we start changing things for kids."

A small gathering in Apex attracted families, community leaders and lawmakers. Jessica's Law proposes a mandatory 25-years-to-life sentence for convicted child predators.