Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt, all R-Ocean/Burl./Atl., renewed their call for New Jersey to establish residency restrictions that prohibit convicted sexual offenders from living within 500 feet from a school, daycare center or playground. Legislation introduced by the 9th District Lawmakers, A-285, was recently heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, for discussion only.
In his testimony supporting the establishment of “pedophile-free zones”, Assemblyman Rumpf apprised the Committee that petitions containing more than 10, 000 signatures have been entered into the official record of public testimony in support of the Delegation’s legislative efforts.
Advocating for more definitive action by the State Legislature to protect children from sexual predators, Senator Connors, Assemblyman Rumpf and Assemblyman Van Pelt released the following statement:
“A little more than two months ago, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court struck down local ordinances in Galloway Township and Cherry Hill that established residency restrictions for sexual offenders.
“Essentially, the court found that Megan’s Law is the only law that can govern the treatment of sexual offenders. As it stands, all remaining local ordinances approved in the absence of a statewide law by towns across New Jersey stand to be potentially struck down, falling like dominoes. As a consequence, child-protective measures, already in place that a significant number of communities have come to rely upon, could soon be eliminated.
“It is therefore absolutely critical for New Jersey to establish a uniform, consistent law applied on a statewide level that prohibits convicted sexual offenders from living within a specified distance around certain areas frequented by children which, at the very least, include schools and daycare centers. Collectively, we believe that this would be consistent with and applicable to the spirit and fundamental intent of Megan’s Law.
“The principle goal in establishing “pedophile-free zones” is to reduce instances whereby sexual predators would be in close proximity to areas frequented by children on a regular basis, thereby, attempting to prevent future acts of violence. We will continue to work in a bi-partisan fashion with our legislative colleagues in an effort to advance this Megan’s Law initiative forward so that every child in the state will be afforded its protections.”
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