Sean Kean Bill to Require Community Notification for Murderers Released From Hospitals Moves Forward
Legislation sponsored by Senator Sean Kean (R-Monmouth) that would require psychiatric hospitals to notify local law enforcement agencies when a murderer who is found not guilty by reason of insanity is released into the community passed the Senate Health, Human services and Senior Citizens Committee unanimously today.
“This is a common-sense response to a situation that requires close supervision,” Kean stated. “I expect local law enforcement officers will monitor individuals in these situations with discretion and compassion.”
The bill was drafted in response to the case of Dr. Idella Kathleen Hagen, who was released from a psychiatric hospital earlier this year. She was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the August 2000 murder of her parents in Morris County. She was released from the hospital in March 2008 to live on her own in Monmouth County.
“This legislation will not only protect the local community, it will ensure the safety of the patient from curiosity seekers or others who may intend to harm the individual,” Kean continued. “This legislation is a reasonable response to a situation that might become unbalanced.”
Link to Post:
Similar Posts:
- Senator Allen’s Bill Requiring Drug Testing at State Facilities Becomes Law
January 22, 2010 - With Crime Rate on the Rise, Addiego & Rudder Drafting Bill to Curb Growth in Gang Activity
May 5, 2009 - Senator Sean Kean Calls for Extradition of Cop Killer Before Normalizing Relations With Cuba
April 20, 2009 - Connors, Rumpf & Van Pelt Seek to Enhance Community Notification Procedures for Megan’s Law
July 13, 2009 - Singer Advances Bill Protecting Workers in Correction and Psychiatric Hospitals
May 14, 2009
