Senator Phillips: Senate Approves New Protections Against Sex Offenders

     Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation to help protect children from sex offenders.  Senator Phillips was a cosponsor of the legislation.

    “Sexual predators don’t belong anywhere near schools that are filled with children, which is why we have laws restricting their access to these facilities.  Eliminating any potential loopholes that sex offenders could use to prey on children is a critical public safety issue.  Passing this legislation is an important step that would help protect children and keep our communities safe,” said Senator Phillips.     

    The legislation (S1787) would prohibit sex offenders whose crimes were committed against a child, as well as all level 3 sex offenders, from being within 1,000 feet of a facility where pre-kindergarten or kindergarten instruction is provided.  This would expand the existing law which prevents these offenders from being within 1,000 feet of schools.

    Additionally, it would require the State’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to obtain an updated list of every elementary and secondary school in the state, including any other facility where pre-kindergarten or kindergarten instruction is provided, on a quarterly basis.  This would allow probation and parole officers to have the most up to date information so that they can ensure sex offenders are complying with residency laws preventing them from living within 1,000 feet of these facilities.

    The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.