on Education. During her first term in office, Runner was appointed as Assistant Republican Leader by former Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. Jessica's Law In 2006, along with her husband, Senator George Runner, Sharon Runner authored Proposition 83, California's version of Jessica's Law. The measure passed with the support of 71% of California voters, and passed in 57 of California's 58 counties. Jessica's Law ensures that all sexual offenders who are convicted of activity with children under the age of 14 are put into prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years or 25 years to life. It eliminates all "first-offense" sexual offense provisions from California law. It also eliminates all "good-time" credits for sexual offenders serving prison terms; under the authored provisions they are required to serve their entire sentence and will not be released for good behavior. The law requires that sex offenders who are released from prison wear a GPS bracelet for life. It also creates a 2,000-foot (615-meter) zone around schools and parks in which registered sex offenders are prohibited from residing. Senate career Runner ran for election to the California State Senate, representing the 17th District. The seat was left vacant by her husband, George Runner, who was elected to the State Board of Equalization in November 2010. The primary election took place on February 15, 2011, she defeated Democrat Darren Parker 66%–34% to avoid a runoff. To focus on her recovery from a double lung transplant necessitated by her limited scleroderma, she chose to not seek re-election in 2012 and was succeeded by Steve Knight in the renumbered 21st Senate District. A special election for the 21st Senate District, vacated by Steve Knight who was elected to Congress in November 2014, was held on March 17, 2015. After a successful recruitment effort, Runner decided to enter the race. She was the only candidate on the ballot, and easily won reelection to the Senate with 100% of the vote. Runner was sworn into the State Senate on March 19, 2015, where she would serve until her death the following year. Community involvement In 1977, Runner co-founded Desert Christian Schools with her husband, George Runner. It has since grown to become one of the largest private schools in California with nearly 1,700 students on three separate campuses. She served on the Board until her death. Prior to Desert Christian Schools, Runner worked as a licensed