For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Eric Sedler

October 9, 2009                                           609-631-9988 Office

PROSECUTORS BACK BARONI'S

MEGAN'S LAW REFORM

Bill would allow towns to limit where predators live

Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Baroni (R-14) that would give municipalities an important tool to protect communities from convicted sex offenders has received the support of a key law enforcement group.  Senator Baroni's legislation, S-2138, has been reviewed and endorsed by the New Jersey Prosecutors Association.

"We know that convicted sex offenders have a high rate of reoffending when released back into our neighborhoods," said Baroni.  "Knowing sex offenders' propensity for recidivism, we must provide municipalities with the ability to enact common-sense residency restrictions to prevent the circumstances that may lead to new assaults.  The buffer zones around places where children congregate can prevent convicted rapists and pedophiles from having the repeated contact and exposure that often leads to new offenses."

            In response to the concerns of their residents, several New Jersey municipalities enacted ordinances in recent years establishing buffer zones around certain facilities, such as schools and playgrounds, where sex offenders were prohibited from residing.  Following challenges to those ordinances, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the current language of Megan's Law does not authorize towns to enact residency restrictions for registered sex offenders.  

            S-1238 addresses that deficiency by explicitly permitting a municipality to enact an ordinance establishing areas in or around schools, parks, playgrounds, public libraries or daycare centers where certain registered sex offenders may be prohibited from living.  Under the terms of the legislation, a Megan's Law registrant whose victim was under the age of 18 or whose risk of re-offense has been determined to be high could be prohibited from living within 2,000 feet from the designated locations.

            "This legislation addresses the concerns raised by the courts, and will give towns a powerful new tool to protect our families," said Baroni.  "I am glad to have the support of the New Jersey Prosecutors Association for this legislation that will help keep our neighborhoods safe."

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