Assemblyman 130th Assembly District
JOSEPH A. ERRIGO
| For
immediate release: Contact: |
January
13, 2004 Adam Peterson (585) 334-5210 |
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District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY 14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY 12248 |
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ERRIGO CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF NEW YORK'S CHILDREN
Plan would strengthen 'Megan's Law' through tougher enforcement
Assemblyman Joseph A. Errigo (R - Conesus) joined his
Assembly Republican colleagues to announce the Child Protection Act of 2004.
Errigo, the Ranking Minority Member of the Children & Families Committee and
member of the Task Force on Sex Crimes Against Children and Women (SAVE),
noted that the 17-point plan would strengthen New York's "Megan's Law."
"The sexual abuse of a child is one of the most
horrific crimes imaginable, causing deep emotional and psychological scars.
We must do more to prevent children from becoming victims," Errigo said.
The Child Protection Act of 2004 was based on the
testimony of expert witnesses - law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates and
victims themselves - during a year-long series of statewide hearings by the
SAVE Task Force. The findings are contained in the panel's 42-page interim
report, which was released February 10, 2004.
"Our findings indicated that a convicted offender
released back into the community is seven times more likely to commit a
sexual crime. At the same time, many offenders plea bargain and are tried
for lesser offenses. Both scenarios result in a danger to the community,"
Assemblyman Errigo said.
The plan would limit plea bargaining in these types of cases and raise
penalties for sex crimes against children. It also includes legislation to
allow "civil commitment" so the most dangerous sex offenders can remain
institutionalized to protect society, even after they have served their
prison term.
The proposal would also expand the monitoring of
offenders by imposing penalties on those who fail to register with the
proper authorities. Notification of area residents and school districts
where a predator is relocated would be made mandatory in the legislation, a
practice that is now optional.
"Knowledge already provided by Megan's Law is a
powerful weapon against sex abuse. Parents need these safeguards to help
keep their children from harm. This plan will do more to protect New York's
most helpless citizens - our children," Errigo said.
For more information about the Child Protection Act of
2004, visit
www.joeerrigo.com or contact Assemblyman Errigo's district office at
(585) 334-5210.
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