Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that the Assembly will conduct a "roundtable" discussion and a public hearing aimed at soliciting insight about the best ways to strengthen the protection of New Yorkers from sex offenses, including a consideration of a civil confinement law for those convicted of the most heinous of these crimes. Lupardo, a member of the Mental Health Committee, will be joined by members of the Codes, Corrections and Mental Health Committees.

The roundtable discussion will prepare legislators for the fall public hearing by affording them an opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue with invited representatives from law enforcement, criminal justice, victim advocate organizations and mental health professionals with experience and insight into this important area. The public hearing will be an opportunity to receive, and then consider, testimony as a basis for formulating tough, effective laws not only to punish perpetrators, but also to help prevent sexual assault, particularly against children.

"This forum and upcoming public hearing will be an opportunity for experts to weigh in on this critical issue," Lupardo said. "Our goal is to establish a sound public policy."

The roundtable, which will be open to the public to attend, will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at 250 Broadway (Room 1923) in New York City from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. While participation in the roundtable will be by invitation, the fall public hearing will allow public testimony. Individuals not able to testify during the public hearing also will have an opportunity to submit written testimony for consideration by the committees.