Nassau lawmakers approve tougher Megan's Law for Nassau County
Legislation mandates expansive notification of sex offenders

Nassau County Majority lawmakers this week approved a local law to ensure that Police Department officials notify vulnerable populations about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders residing in their vicinities. The proposed law mandates that the police department disseminate information it receives from the state concerning Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Under current state law, police may use their discretion regarding the release of information they receive from the state about Level 2 sex offenders.

In addition, the law also requires that police establish and maintain a database of groups serving vulnerable populations that will be notified about sex offenders who have moved into the area. The law also encourages the police to use email when notifying groups whose members may be subject to victimization by sex offenders.

"The current Megan's Law is an invaluable tool for informing the public about the presence of certain sex offenders in the communities, but we believe that it can be more effective by requiring the County's law enforcement agencies to notify entities with vulnerable populations about such offenders residing in their vicinities," said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury).

"This local law will ensure the widest possible dissemination of information about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders," she added. "In light of recent tragic news events involving small children and registered sex offenders, it becomes even more imperative that the community have available information necessary to protect their loved ones."

The law also encourages groups that may be vulnerable, such as youth groups, women, and senior citizens, to register for notification with the police department, which will maintain a database of such organizations and populations. A qualified local entity should issue a written request to be included in the database.

"By making the notification by the county mandatory, we can best protect the public safety of these vulnerable groups," said Legislator Jacobs (D-Woodbury).