Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Sex Offenders from Community Residences

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces the Senate has approved legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from living in a community residence that also houses individuals with developmental disabilities.  The bill (S.2885), which was co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, would prevent those who have committed a sex crime from living in facilities operated or licensed by the state through the Office of Mental Health or the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

“It is simply not safe or appropriate to allow registered sex offenders to be placed in the same residence as those who are among the most vulnerable in our society,” Gallivan said.  “It is our responsibility to protect those who suffer from developmental disabilities and not subject them, or nearby residents, to potential harm.”

Under current law, registered sex offenders are permitted to reside in community residences that provide supervised housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.  This legislation would amend the state’s correction law to prohibit such action.

This measure responds to the public’s growing concern after it was reported last year that a number of convicted sex offenders were placed in neighborhood community residences across Western New York, including one in the Town of West Seneca and another in the Village of Scottsville in Monroe County.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

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