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Senate Bill Further Protects Against Sex Offenders

Eastchester Rising - 7/1/2017

State Sen. Terrence Murphy has drawn a line in the sand and dared sex offenders to step over it.

That line is the state line, and previously, it could prevent sex offenders from moving into New York and living anonymously while awaiting their risk level designation. To close that avenue of escape, Murphy authored legislation that will allow the dissemination of information on sex offenders from another state who have not been assigned a risk level in New York.

The bill passed unanimously by the State Senate.

"No more games of hide-and-seek for sex offenders," said Murphy. "We want to make sure New York is not on their shopping lists when they look for a place to indulge in their despicable crimes. The Senate sent a strong message that New York is not a hunting ground. Now it is up to the Assembly to follow through by passing this common-sense measure that will serve to better protect our children and families."

"The Alliance for Safe Kids supports Murphy's efforts to curb the abuse of children," said Tricy Cushner, president of ASK. "As a community coalition, it is our responsibility to work with lawmakers and enforcers to stay on top of ever-changing trends. We all have a responsibility to remain current on news and information and share tools and resources with our community to help keep our children safe."

This bill allows information about a sex offender who has not been assigned a risk level in this state to be disclosed if the perpetrator as a level two offender. After a sex offender is assigned a risk level, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction will carry out the dissemination of any relevant information.

Because the disclosure of offender information serves as a function for public safety, the community's right to know about an offender's presence in their community supersedes the offender's right to privacy, said Murphy.

Under the current law, law enforcement agencies can release information on designated sex offenders through community notification. However, those sex offenders coming in from another state essentially fly under the radar until the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders makes a determination, which could take up to two months.

The bill had been passed to the Assembly for a vote.