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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus |
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Shimkus working to keep closer tabs on child predators
HARRISBURG, Oct. 25 – In an effort to ensure that children are as well-protected as possible from sexual predators, state Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, today introduced legislation that would stiffen the registration requirements of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.
Megan’s Law requires convicted sex offenders to register with the state police and gives the public access to information about where sex offenders live and work. A recent audit of Megan’s Law by the state attorney general found that over a 10-year period, Pennsylvania has lost track of more than 300 child sex offenders.
“Megan’s Law exists to protect the public, especially our children, from falling prey to sexual predators. But the current system has proven to be problematic in that in some cases offenders are actually being released from prison without registering,” Shimkus said. “My bill would make sure there are no lapses and that all sexual offenders and sexually violent predators are properly registered.”
Shimkus’ legislation (H.B. 1971) would require convicted sexual offenders and sexually violent predators to register with the Pennsylvania State Police at the time of sentencing. Currently, registration occurs at the time of release from prison. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Shimkus is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA113 (7-2-1-1-3) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.
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CONTACT: Lauren Rooney |