Rensselaer County leaders joined with state representatives today to call for residential restrictions to be placed on individuals convicted going forward of Level 2 and Level sex offenses, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced today.
McLaughlin was joined by Sheriff Kyle Bourgault and State Senator Jake Ashby and Assemblyman Scott Bendett in calling for passage of laws to restrict convicted Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school or playground. Schodack Supervisor Charles Peter, North Greenbush Councilman Jim Gordon and county Probation Director Kara Wohlleber were in attendance.
The new law would apply to all charged and convicted of Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders moving forward from the date of passage of the law.
“This would be a common-sense move to help keep our kids, schools and communities safe and secure from this crime. We are seeking new legislation to address what has been a persistent issue and concern,” said McLaughlin.
“The lack of action from the Governor on this issue is a concern, and additional protections are needed for the public from those convicted of these crimes,” added McLaughlin.
Similar legislation was introduced in 2005 banning Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school. The legislation at that time was known as the Sexual Assault Reform Act (SARA) and was adopted in 2005. A federal lawsuit overturned the 2005 law, and there has been no action by the state to revise and reintroduce a similar statute, despite numerous calls for action.
“When I was asked to sign onto this legislation years ago, I had the same reaction most people would: how is this not the law already? If Democrats can’t reach across the aisle and support this, it’s proof that partisanship has completely warped their brains. Imagine weighing an abstract belief in some post carceral policy paper an intern left on your desk over the very real-life opportunity to prevent a convicted sexual predator from living a few feet from an elementary school playground. To the Democrats who still claim to value public safety: you will never have an easier opportunity to prove it than this bill,” said Ashby.
“This would be a common-sense move to protect children and families, and help improve safety near our schools and playgrounds. I do not see how any responsible lawmaker could oppose this needed and realistic approach to keep kids safe,” said Bendett.
“These are serious crimes that cause lifelong damage to the victims. Unfortunately, there is a high rate for repeat offenders for these crimes. Those facts show clearly why these additional protections are needed and as Sheriff, I am urging passage of new residential restrictions for those convicted of these crimes,” said Sheriff Kyle Bourgault.
“The safety and security of our children must always be the top priority. This is common sense, and it should be addressed in a bipartisan manner through legislation that protects our most vulnerable and precious resource—our kids. I strongly urge the Governor and lawmakers to take immediate action and make the appropriate changes to this law,” said Legislator Wayne Gendron.
““Anything we can do to help protect our children from sexual predators should be strongly considered. Schools and playgrounds are sensitive areas, and kids should feel safe there. Our state leaders should revisit the laws that protect our kids from convicted sex offenders,” said Legislator Bruce Patire.
“There is considerable concern in our town, based on published reports, about a convicted sex offender living within feet of an elementary school. Those reports show why this law is needed and why this law should be adopted without further delay,” said Schodack Supervisor Charles Peter.