MUNOZ-SPONSORED BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEX OFFENDERS BECOMES LAW

Legislation originally sponsored by the late Assemblyman Eric Munoz that prohibits convicted sex offenders from participating in a youth serving organization was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine. 

“I was proud to vote in support of this bill on my first day in the Legislature,” commented Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R- Union, Somerset, Essex, and Morris. “Eric worked tirelessly for legislation to protect our children from sexual predators.  

“I cannot stress enough the importance of protecting our children from those who prey upon their vulnerability and innocence,” she continued. “It is my expectation that this new law will effectively serve as yet another barrier between children and convicted pedophiles. It is the Legislature’s duty to do everything within its power to keep persons convicted of such heinous crimes away from our children. This law is another positive step forward in providing full protection for children.”

The new law, A-1731, makes it unlawful for a convicted sex offender to hold a position or participate in a paid or unpaid capacity in a youth serving organization. Violators will be guilty of a crime of the third degree, which carries a penalty of three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000 or both.

In addition, a person who knowingly hires, engages or appoints a sex offender to serve in a youth serving organization in violation of this law is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which calls for imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000 or both. 

Munoz took today’s bill signing as another opportunity to call for the Legislature to pass “The Jessica Lunsford Act,” legislation that she sponsors that would increase criminal penalties on those who commit sex crimes against minors and those who provide shelter for such an offender. The bill, A-1719, unanimously passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee in June and was subsequently referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Munoz’ late husband, Eric, had originally introduced the bill after learning the details of  the brutal kidnapping, rape and murder of nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford in Florida in 2005 by convicted sex predator John Couey, who recently died in prison while awaiting execution for the crime. Eric Munoz accompanied Jessica’s father on his visit to New Jersey when he advocated for the legislation.