BILL NUMBER:S2885

TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to prohibiting sex
offenders from residing in community homes

PURPOSE AND JUSTIFICATION:

This bill would prohibit sex offenders, who are required to be
registered pursuant to the Corrections Law, from residing in a
community residence.

The residents of our community residences with mental disabilities are
some of the most vulnerable individuals in our state. Although the
community residences provide oversight and supervision in these homes,
it is inappropriate that registered sex offenders, who have been
determined to have committed sex crimes, should be placed in close and
continual proximity to reside with these most vulnerable individuals
who deserve the best care and protection that we can provide.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - adds a new section 168-ee to the Corrections Law which
provides that any sex offender registered pursuant to Article 6-C of
the Corrections Law shall be prohibited from residing in a community
              

residence, which, for the purposes of this section, is defined as any
facility operated by or subject to licensure by the Office of Mental
Health or the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities which
provides a supervised residence or residential respite services for
individuals with mental disabilities.

Section 2 - of the bill provides for an immediate effective date.

EXISTING LAW:

Currently, registered sex offenders are permitted to reside in
community residences.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2014 - S.7503/A.9724 - PASSED SENATE/Corrections

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

LOCAL IMPACT:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

The bill would take effect immediately.