New York State Senate unanimously passes Murphy's Bill to notify residents of dangerous sex offernders coming from other states

Albany, NY - Senator Terrence Murphy has drawn a line in the sand and dared sex offenders to step over it. That line is the state line, and previously, it could prevent sex offenders from moving into New York and living anonymously for a while awaiting their risk level designation. To close that avenue of escape, Senator Murphy authored S6548, legislation that will allow the dissemination of information on sex offenders from another state who have not been assigned a risk level in New York State. Senator Murphy's bill passed unanimously by the New York State Senate by a vote of 60-0.
 
"No more games of hide and seek for sex offenders," said Senator Murphy. "We want to make sure New York is not on their shopping lists when they look for a place to indulge in their despicable crimes. The Senate sent a strong message that New York is not a hunting ground. Now it is up to the Assembly to follow through by passing this common sense measure that will serve to better protect our children and families." 
 
"The Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) supports Senator Murphy's efforts to curb the abuse of children," said Tricy Cushner, President of ASK. "As a community coalition, it is our responsibility to work with lawmakers and enforcers to stay on top of ever changing trends. We all have a responsibility to remain current on news and information and share tools and resources with our community to help keep our children safe."
 
This bill allows that information about a sex offender who has not been assigned a risk level in this state may be disclosed if the offender as a level two offender. After a sex offender is assigned a risk level, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction will carry out the dissemination of any relevant information.
 
Because the disclosure of offender information serves as a function for public safety, the community's right to know about an offender's presence in their community supersedes the offender's right to privacy.
 
Under the current law, law enforcement agencies can release information on designated sex offenders through community notification; however those sex offenders coming in from another state essentially fly under the radar until the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders makes a determination, which could take up to two months.
 
The bill had been passed to the Assembly for a vote.