Res. No. 979-A
Resolution supporting legislation increasing the number of sex offenders required to register for life.
By Council Members Vallone Jr., Avella, Gennaro, Gentile, Gonzalez, McMahon, Nelson, Sanders Jr., Liu, Gallagher, Lanza and Oddo
Whereas, In July of 1995, Governor George Pataki signed into law the Sex Offender Registration Act, New York's version of Megan's Law; and
Whereas, Registered sex offenders in New York are classified by the risk of re-offense, with a low risk offender classified as level one, a moderate risk offender classified as level two and a high risk offender classified as level three; and
Whereas, Current state law stipulates that sex offenders registered on or after March 11, 2002 register for a minimum of 10 years unless they have been given a designation of sexual predator, sexually violent offender or predicate sex offender, for which they register for life; level one and level two sex offenders registered prior to March 11, 2002 register for 10 years while level three offenders register for life; and
Whereas, Although this vital act has significantly enhanced public access to information regarding the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders, additional measures and improvements are still necessary to provide greater protection for all New Yorkers; and
Whereas, Since the Sex Offender Registration Act, which took effect in 1996, required most offenders to register for just 10 years, more than 3,000 sex offenders on the New York State Sex Offender Registry will have their information removed by the end of 2006; and
Whereas, Recognizing the danger in allowing these potential recidivists to be removed from the registry, New York State should adopt legislation that would require, in addition to level 3 and those designated as sexual predators, sexual violent offenders or predicate sex offenders, level 2 sex offenders to register for life; and
Whereas, Given the reported high rate of recidivism by convicted sex offenders released into society and the importance of safeguarding communities against such crimes, state legislators must increase the number of sex offenders required to register; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports legislation increasing the number of sex offenders required to register for life.