FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2006
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Robbins:  Senate Passes Legislation Targeting Sexual Offenses

Strengthens Megan's Law reporting and increasing penalties for sex crimes against children.

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate this week approved legislation that would greatly expand information on sex offenders listed on the state Megan's Law web site and impose criminal liability on employers who fail to act on known abuses, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Senate Bill 1054 is among three bills targeting sexual offenses passed by the Senate this week and sent to the Governor to be signed into law.  This measure would require State Police to post the street address of all sexual offenders listed on the Megan's Law website, www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us. Presently, addresses of only offenders designated as "sexually violent predators" are listed on the web site.  The bill would also impose criminal liability on employers or supervisors of abusers who knew of the abuse, but failed to act, or who concealed the abuse.  

"Parents and communities need useful, specific information on sex offenders in their midst, and passage of this bill will help protect children," said Robbins.

The Senate also approved Senate Bill 944, which would increase penalties for sex offenses against children. Under the bill, any Megan's Law offender who commits a new Megan's Law offense in Pennsylvania would serve a mandatory sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison.  If that person were to commit another Megan's Law offense, the person would serve a life sentence.

"Sex crimes against children are among the most insidious imaginable, and repeat offenses cannot be tolerated.  The only true protection is to remove these offenders from society," said Robbins.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 439, the "Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act."  The legislation would standardize the methods used by hospitals, victim's rights advocates and law enforcement in collecting evidence in rape and other sexual assault cases.

"Proper collection of evidence in such cases can be the difference between a criminal being sent to prison or set free.  This measure will lead to the establishment of strong standards," said Robbins.

CONTACT:
Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322

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