(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) today held a press conference with Laura Ahearn, Executive Director of Parents for Megan’s Law along with several other elected officials and the Crime Victims Center, calling for a special session of the Legislature to pass laws strengthening local governments’ abilities to distance sexual predators from schools
In February, a court decision blocked counties from placing sex offenders more than the state-mandated 1,000 feet from schools. Murray and Ahearn, at a Dix Hills school located just three doors down from the residence of a sexual predator, called for state legislation allowing counties to establish their own boundaries beyond the state limit and for another 10-year renewal of legislation compelling the registration of Level One sex offenders. Murray sees these measures as common-sense laws that keep our children and families safer from those who have harmed them and could possibly do so again.
“Our children have a right to go to school and learn without having to worry about a predator lurking in the bushes. If you asked any resident if he or she thinks it’s acceptable for a sexual predator to live right down the road from where our kids go to school, the answer would be a resounding, ‘No,’” Murray said. “County governments should have the right to set the boundaries for where sex offenders can live in relation to our schools and all convicted sex offenders should be registered.
“That’s why I’m proud to stand here with Laura Ahearn, colleagues Ed Ra and Al Graf, Senator Michael Venditto, County Legislator Steve Stern and several Suffolk County and Nassau County legislators to call for a special session of the Legislature to pass legislation giving counties that right, as well as renewing the registration of Level One sex offenders. Our children and communities should not be susceptible to people who have preyed on them before.”
