State lawmakers are scrambling to enact new legislation after the state Supreme Court ruled sex offenders can live wherever they are placed by their probation officers.
Though the judge?s decision was specific to a Rockland County law, it sets legal precedent for the state. It could also mean that Suffolk and Nassau's sex offender residency requirements are out the window too.
Children?s advocate Laura Ahern, of Parents for Megan?s Law, says the judge was out of line in the ruling.
At a news conference in Mineola Friday, state lawmakers introduced legislation to go above the judge's decision. The law would make it illegal for a registered sex offender to live within 1,000 feet of any school building, park or day care center.
If the law state politicians are proposing goes into effect, it would supersede existing laws in Nassau and Suffolk. Opponents of the new legislation like Leg. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) say it would be more lenient than Suffolk?s current law.
The judge?s ruling is being challenged in appeals court.
To see the full press conference on the proposed legislation, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.