Assemblyman Fitzpatrick Calls For Expanded Fight Against Sex Offenders

Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) and his minority colleagues today joined Laura Ahearn, founder and executive director of Parents for Megan’s Law, in unveiling their SAVE-NY Task Force report.

“Our findings include legislation that would help keep our communities on Long Island safer from sex offenders and pedophiles,” said Fitzpatrick.

The legislation calls for civil confinement and lifetime registration of dangerous sex offenders. It also calls for creation of “Pedophile-free Zones” to ban convicted sexual predators from living within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, day care centers and parks after their release from prison.

“Parents should be able to be rest assured that, when they send their children off to day care and school, pedophiles will not be lurking around the corner,” remarked Fitzpatrick.

Additional legislation outlined in the report would eliminate the statute of limitations on sex crimes committed against children, prohibit sex offenders from working with children, limit plea bargaining for sex offenders to eliminate the option of pleading to a nonsexual offense and double the prison sentences for offences committed near school grounds.

The report also contains a measure that would require the dissemination of information about level 2 and 3 sex offenders to vulnerable populations.

“This legislation will help ensure a safer environment for our children,” said Fitzpatrick. “I will continue to work with Laura Ahearn to make certain the bills in the report become law before session ends this June.”