Senate Passes “Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act”

               The New York State Senate has passed the “Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act” (S5226A), sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza and Senator Steve Saland of the Senate Codes Committee.  The bill creates new, tougher crimes for predators who prey on children over the Internet.

               “Sexual abuse against children is despicable and unacceptable,” Senator Lanza said.  “With the Internet and other technology, these crimes have increased and become more complex to prosecute.  This bill makes changes to the law and gives law enforcement the tools to track down those who exploit and abuse innocent children.  Enacting the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act will make significant progress in protecting our children and putting those vile perpetrators behind bars.”

               The sexual exploitation of children is a growing issue. It is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 children sexually exploited annually through prostitution and pornography in the United States.

               The Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act implements aggressive measures to protect children from dangers from Internet predators, child pornography and child sexual abuse. It addresses a number of crimes including child sexual abuse, exploitation, pornography, and prostitution offenses and computer sex crimes against children.

               The bill would protect children and aid law enforcement by: permitting the introduction of business records, especially internet service provider records, into evidence in grand jury proceedings; requiring registered sex offenders to provide verification of their Internet accounts and Internet screen names and permitting the Department of Criminal Justice Services to provide this information to Internet service providers; adding certain sexual crimes against children to the list of violent felony offenses; and toughening penalties involving minors in prostitution. The law encompasses many other areas of criminal activity to assist police and help victims.

                            The bill will be sent to the Assembly.