Senate Passes Bill To Make Communities Safer from Sexual Predators

Today, the New York State Senate voted to make our communities safer by passing Senate Bill 2923 which would require the Division of Criminal Justice Services to update sex offender information to victims, their families and the community if an offender is in violation of registration requirements. 

According to the New York State Sex Offender Registry (SOR), there were nearly 30,000 registered sex offenders in the state in 2008.  Many of these registration forms were submitted to the Registry with pertinent information missing and required extensive follow-up by staff.  Prior to passage of this legislation, updated registry information was not always relayed to the public, specifically the victims and their families. By providing this information people will now have the ability to recognize and be aware of who is living in their community. 

“Members of communities – women, men, children and especially victims of sexual abuse have the right to know who is living in their neighborhoods and the registry is the most effective way to ensure that this happens,” stated Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Chairwoman of the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee. 

If you would like to look up information about registered sex offenders in your area call the Division of Criminal Justice Services at 1-800-262-3257, or visit the DCJS online at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us. 

This bill has passed both the Senate and Assembly and now awaits action from the Governor.