The law includes a provision that requires the worst offenders -- those considered sexually violent predators, repeat offenders and those convicted of sex assaults with aggravated circumstances -- to be fitted with satellite or GPS tracking devices to monitor their location for life. Convicted offenders also are required to report to law enforcement officials in person every six months, rather than the current one year by phone or mail.

Another section creates three new felonies related to human trafficking. Statutory rape of a 13-, 14-, or 15-year-old is now considered a sexually violent offense, increasing requirements for registering with the state from a 10-year period to a lifetime. It is also now a felony to harbor an improperly registered sex offender.

Easley was joined by Attorney General Roy Cooper and several lawmakers as he signed the bill.

Easley said some opponents of the bill described it as unfair to offenders, but he said he and the public disagrees.

Easley, a former prosecutor, said "child predators are about the meanest people you'll meet in the court system."

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