House Republican Press Release

May 29, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Harkins Votes For Stricter Sex Offender Laws

Key House GOP Initiative Adopted Unanimously

HARTFORD- State Representative John Harkins (R-Stratford) voted in favor of a bill before the House this past week which ratchets up the law concerning sex offenders.  The measure, offered as an amendment to HB 7085, An Act Concerning the Statute of Limitations for Prosecution of Certain Sexual Offenders, was a central piece of the House Republican “around the Block, Around the Clock” initiative, and passed unanimously.

The amendment requires the Risk Assessment Board to determine which sex offenders are prohibited from residing within one thousand feet of public or private elementary or secondary schools and day care facilities, and requires sex offenders to provide their email and instant message addresses to the Commissioner of Public Safety. 

Other provisions of the measure create a class C felony for misrepresentation of age to entice a minor, and make persons who service or repair personal computers mandated reporters of suspected child abuse.

“The law concerning sex offenders continue to need adjustment and strengthening,” said Representative Harkins.  “Even with the passage of this measure, much remains to be done in the effort to assure that our children are as safe as possible.  However, this measure makes important improvements to standing law, by increasing penalties and restrictions on those sex offenders who have a predatory past.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for action there.  This session of the General Assembly concludes at midnight, Wednesday, June 6^th.