Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) today announced that he is a sponsor of legislation that would prevent all registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school.

Last month, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that localities cannot impose stricter restrictions on where sex offenders can live in relation to schools because it conflicts with existing state law. Current state law prohibits level 3 sex offenders--the highest level of sex offenders or registered sex offenders whose victim was under the age of 18--from living within 1,000 feet of schools while the sex offenders are on parole or probation. The legislation Assemblyman Barclay is a sponsor of would apply the residency restrictions to all registered sex offenders, not just level 3 sex offenders, even after they have completed their parole or probation.

“Given the court's ruling, we need to change state law to better protect the children in our communities. We all can understand why many localities imposed their own restrictions. Moving forward, we need to strengthen the state law so we can keep our kids safe and better protected from sexual predators. Parents still should be vigilant and check the sex offender registry to be aware of where registered sex offenders live in the community,” said Barclay.

Concerned parents can access the sex offender registry online (http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/SomsSUBDirectory/search_index.jsp) on the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services website. To report suspected abuse, you can reach the New York State Office of Children and Family Services hotline at 1-800-342-3720.