Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I-Patterson) have introduced legislation (A.9025/S.6778) that would prohibit level two and level three sex offenders from residing within 1,500 feet of the residence of a victim of their abuse.

The legislation was introduced after a level three sex offender in Putnam County was permitted to move back next door to one of his victims, following his release from prison. According to a report in the Journal News, in 2011, a level three sex offender was released from prison after serving approximately sixteen months in jail. Following his release, the offender, whose victims were eight and nine years old at the time the abuse took place, was permitted to reside next door to one of his victims.

“It is outrageous that a level 3 sex offender in Putnam County was permitted to live next door to one of the young victims of his heinous crime. Our legislation would ensure that victims of serious sexual crimes never have to bear the cost of moving, nor endure the emotional trauma caused by the abuser being allowed to reside in the vicinity of their home,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

“It is absolutely mindboggling that a level three sex offender would ever be permitted to live in such close proximity to their victim. Victims should not be forced to endure the emotional distress that may come with being in contact with their abuser,” said Senator Ball. “This is the least this state can do for victims of sexual assault. Level three sex offenders are at high risk of repeat offenses. The state should really permanently confine predators like this, and not release such dangerous individuals back into the community to strike again.”

Assemblyman Braunstein previously introduced legislation (A.718-A), which would restrict level one, two and three sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of a school. Senator Ball also has legislation (S.2578) that would close a current loophole in the law, which allows level three sex offenders to live within 1,000 feet of a day care facility; the bill has previously passed the Senate.

“I am very happy that this important issue is picking up momentum. We must make our priority protecting women and children, especially when we protect a victim from the assailant of these horrible crimes. I thank my colleagues for realizing the tremendous priority of protecting our residents from these predators,” said Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, who is co-sponsoring this legislation.