AMEDORE BILL TO PROHIBIT SEX OFFENDERS FROM LIVING NEAR DAYCARE FACILITIES MOVES THROUGH STATE SENATE

The New York State Senate yesterday passed legislation (S.8759), sponsored by Senator George Amedore, to prohibit sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a child care provider, a preschool, or any place where pre-kindergarten or kindergarten instruction is provided.

The legislation closes a loophole that was brought to light last month when a level three sex offender was discovered to be living in very close proximity to a daycare center in Voorheesville in Albany County. Under current state law, sex offenders are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of a school, but standalone daycare centers and preschools are not included in the statute.

“This bill will help ensure that our youngest, most vulnerable children are protected from dangerous predators,” said Senator George Amedore. “This legislation addresses a loophole we discovered in the current law when a level three sex offender was living just 500 feet away from a daycare in Voorheesville, and ensures that the same restrictions that apply to schools will apply to pre-kindergarten and daycare facilities.”

The bill also requires the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervison (DOCCS) to obtain a quarterly report containing an updated list of every school, and every child care provider, preschool and other facility where pre-kindergarten or kindergarten instruction is provided.

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy.

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