Long Island parents and child advocates are praising a new sex offender bill signed into law by President Bush Thursday.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act will create a national sex offender database, which can be searched by law enforcement and the public by entering a zip code. Laura Ahearn, of Parents for Megan?s Law, says the new legislation requires all level 1, level 2 and level 3 sex offenders to register and requires all vulnerable entities be notified of convicted sexual predators living nearby. Those who fail to register will also be hit with harsher penalties.

Ahearn says the new law tips the scale in favor of the children. She says instead of families being afraid of sexual predators, now the sexual predators will be afraid to target children.

Sex Offender Bill Story: U.S. Newswire: Reid Praises Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act NYSOAG: Consumer Tips: Megan's Law Parents for Megan's Law: Sex Offender Registry New York State Governor's Site Division of Criminal Justice Services