Markey Works To Strengthen Megan’s Law

Assemblymember Margaret Markey (D–Maspeth) is supporting new legislation immediately stopping sex offenders from being removed from the state registry before stronger Megan’s Law regulations are enacted (A 9082).

“We are at a crossroads whereby in late January, some low- and moderate-risk sex offenders will have their registration periods expire, while at the same time, national Megan’s Law standards are being created that will override current state proposals to strengthen the law,” Markey said. “It’s imperative that we not allow one single sexual predator to slip through the cracks while we work to fill in the gaps.”

The United States House of Representatives has passed legislation establishing a national standard for how state Megan’s Laws must be structured (HR 3132, the “Children’s Safety Act of 2005”). U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D–NY) is also sponsoring similar legislation in the Senate to end state-by-state disparities in registration and notification procedures (S. 1086). The federal legislation differs very significantly from the provisions of New York’s Megan’s Law and would render obsolete current proposals by the governor, state senate and Assembly to modify Megan’s Law registration requirements.

Meanwhile, starting sometime after January 21, 2006, the first level one, or those considered at “low risk” of reoffense, and level two offenders, those considered at “moderate risk” of reoffense, registered under New York’s Megan’s Law for the past 10 years, will have their registration periods expire and begin to be removed from the registry. High-risk level three offenders and certain other offenders are already required to be registered for life under New York law.

“The Assembly passed legislation in June to ensure certain sex offenders remain on the registry (A.8369). However, the senate and governor unfortunately never allowed the Assembly’s legislation to advance,” Markey said. “While federal officials work to revamp a nationwide plan, it’s essential that New York take steps to close loopholes that would allow registration to expire for certain sex offenders. By establishing a moratorium until April of 2007, we can help keep our families safe by creating enough time for Congress to enact a national plan and the state Legislature to comply with the new federal law, without removing currently registered offenders from the list.”