Senate Passes Legislation to Prohibit Sex Offenders From Living in Community Residences With Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

The New York State Senate today passed legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from living with individuals with developmental disabilities in community residences operated or licensed by the state. The bill (S2885), sponsored by Senator Michael Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst), strengthens current protections and helps ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities are living in a safe environment.

Senator Ranzenhofer said, “The placement of registered sex offenders in group homes alongside vulnerable individuals is blatantly irresponsible.  This new measure would address this very serious issue. Residents in group homes deserve the best care and protection that we can provide, and this measure will ensure safety for them and their neighbors.”

Currently, registered sex offenders are permitted to reside in facilities that provide supervised residence for individuals with developmental disabilities. This bill would prohibit registered sex offenders from residing in a community residence operated or licensed by the state Office of Mental Health or the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

This measure responds to the public’s growing concern after it was reported last year that a number of convicted sex offenders were placed in neighborhood community residences across Western New York, including one in Newstead and another in West Seneca.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.