Press Center

SENATE PASSES MEASURE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH MEGAN’S LAW

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR KENNETH P. LAVALLE

6/3/2008

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that legislation he sponsored to ensure that sex offenders comply with the residency and employment registration requirements under Megan’s Law has passed the Senate. If enacted, the measure would make the offender responsible for being aware of the law and verifying that they are in compliance.

“Megan’s Law requires certain sex offenders to register their residence and work address through the Sex Offender Registry. However, the law does not put the burden of proof on the offender to verify their compliance with the law,” said Senator LaValle. “This measure will ensure that if an offender moves from one home to another or changes jobs their whereabouts will be current.”

According to Senator LaValle, the measure would require sex offenders to verify their residency and employment yearly, on the anniversary of their initial registration. The offender will be required to include a statement verifying that he or she is in compliance with the state, county, and local laws relating to registration. This bill was sent to the Assembly.