Senator James Seward is introducing legislation that will prohibit sex offenders from living near their victims or near any school in New York State.

The legislation would make it illegal for level 2 and 3 sex offenders to live within 1,500 feet of their victims or school grounds as well as prohibiting them from attending or participating in school events or activities.

“We must do all we can to safeguard children and victims from sexual offenders,” said Senator Seward.  “My legislation bars the most serious predators from residing near their victims or near a school and will close an existing loophole in addition to providing a needed layer of protection.”

Violators would face a class E felony, punishable by up to one to four years in prison.

Oneida County established a law in 2007 that restricted where sex offenders can live, and Herkimer County has been contemplating a similar law, but local laws are now void because of a New York State Court of Appeals decision announced earlier this week.

“The recent Court of Appeals decision preventing local governments from imposing their own residency restrictions on convicted sex offenders points to the need for state action to close this loophole," Seward added. "My legislation will do that so children and victims will be better shielded from these known sexual predators."

 

Seward's bill has been referred to the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee for further consideration.

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