St. Albans, NY)- Aiming to protect victims of sexual abuse, New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) and the Senate Democratic Conference passed a package of bills aimed at improving public safety, creating harsher penalties for perpetrators of sexual abuse and strengthening adherence to penal laws.
“As elected officials it is our responsibility to keep our constituents and community safe. We must protect victims of sexual abuse with strengthened penalties and send a message to would-be perpetrators that these criminal and immoral acts will not be tolerated” said Senator Smith.
The package of protective bills includes legislation that:
· S1618 Raises the penalty for sexual abuse in the second degree from a class A misdemeanor to a class E felony. By changing the penal law with this bill, those convicted of sexual abuse in the second degree will get a significantly harsher sentence for those who violate the safety of our children and most vulnerable residents.
· S1416 [2] Creates criminal penalties in two instances: where a convicted sex offender fails to meet his or her obligation under to Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA); and where a convicted offender refuses or fails to provide a DNA sample as provided by sections 995(7) and 995-c(3) of the Executive Law.
· S3207 [2] Establishes that a person is guilty of the crimes of aggravated sexual abuse in the first, second or third degree when the victim is less than 13 years of age and the perpetrator is 18 years of age or older.
· S1418 [2] Prohibits convicted sex offenders from working or volunteering at any facility where their employment would allow them unsupervised access to residential living quarters.
· S3325 [2] Provides that the registration of sex offenders shall include a statement that they are in compliance with certain state, county and local residency and employment laws.
Each of these bills will strengthen the protections against our youth and the most vulnerable population from sexual predators.
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Malcolm A. Smith is the New York State Senate Immediate Past President Pro Tempore (2008-10). He currently serves as Secretary of the NYS Democratic Conference and ranking member on the Banking Committee.
