Sen. Nancy Jacobs was recognized as one of two Legislators of the Year by state prosecutors, Harford County State's Attorney Joe Cassilly said Monday.

Jacobs, a Republican who represents parts of Cecil and Harford counties and is the minority leader in the General Assembly, was chosen by state's attorneys from all 24 Maryland jurisdictions.

Cassilly said the prosecutors do not select a Legislator of the Year every year.

"We kind of look and make sure the people we are honoring really do deserve it," he said, explaining that Jacobs has done a lot for prosecutors over the years.

"She is very aggressive in terms of working with the prosecutors. She goes out of her way to meet with us," he said. "She's been present during our work sessions, she's always interested in acting as a sponsor for our legislation."

Cassilly said Jacobs has been instrumental in passing a law that requires mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years for child sex offenders, among other legislation.

"She's been a prime sponsor for Jessica's Law and child pornography [laws]," he said. "I really think it mostly comes down to her enthusiasm to work with prosecutors, wanting to know what prosecutors' positions are on bills and to get good bills."

Cassilly said state's attorneys can always count on Jacobs, and that it was hard to list all the legislation she helped get passed.

"She's worked on all sorts of things," he said. "She is always the person that you know when you need a vote, you can go to her and get support for this legislation."

In a press release, Jacobs said she is deeply honored to have been chosen and plans to do all she can make sure prosecutors get the tools they need to keep criminals off the street.