Kaminsky Votes for Package to Strengthen Sex Offender Laws

(Albany, New York) -- Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky voted for, and the Senate passed, a package of legislation aimed strengthening New York’s sex offender laws and registry reporting.  The legislation’s primary goal is to keep the public better informed about sex offenders in their neighborhoods and protect children.

This package of legislation expands information available on the DCJS sex offender registry to include photographs and employment address, and for the most heinous crimes, the offender’s exact address, and creates a felony offense for any sex offender who fails to appear at their registration hearing.  Further, it protects our children by establishing a stronger definition of “residence,” creates a 1,000 feet residency restriction from a school for any sex offender on probation, and bars the issuance of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a passenger or school bus to anyone registered as a sex offender.  

“Sex crimes are among the most horrendous crimes, and the public deserves to know who these people are that commit such crimes,” said Senator Kaminsky.  “Knowledge is power, and by arming the public with additional information about sex offenders in their neighborhood, we as communities, can be more alert, better prepared, and protected.”

“Anything that helps law enforcement to provide safety to those that are most vulnerable in our society is appreciated and supported by police executives statewide,” said Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Charles Gennario.  “I want to thank Senator Kaminsky for his support of these bills and his interest in strengthening our Sex Offender statues.  These bills clarify questions we, in the law enforcement have had and increases the penalty for failing to comply with the law.”

“Sex offenders have brought these recording requirements upon themselves by committing these heinous crimes,” said Long Beach Police Commissioner Michael Tangney.  “Tightening up these requirements is admirable and we applaud Senator Kaminsky for his initiative.”