NJ- Sex offender setback for New Jersey children

It is amazing to see the public in a tailspin over the loss of residency laws. Such laws protected no one, all they did was to force registrants to live elsewhere. If registrants wanted to commit a crime they could do it whether or not residency laws are in effect. The public is not analyzing the facts and facing reality, they have been well brainwashed by politicians.

5-9-2009 New Jersey:

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande calls for immediate action on sex offender bills following court ruling that invalidates local ordinances. Casagrande said the Legislature needs to immediately take action on four bipartisan bills that place stringent restrictions on sex offenders after the New Jersey Supreme Court struck down local ordinances that restricted where convicted sex predators can reside following their release.

"This decision is a major setback for the safety and protection of every child in this state," said Casagrande, R-Monmouth and Mercer. "It's our responsibility to do anything and everything necessary to protect our children and our communities from those who prey on the innocent. It's time for this Legislature to pass legislation that establishes statewide standards on this issue. There are several bills with bipartisan support that will address this issue, and our committee should act to consider them now."

Although today's ruling focused on Cherry Hill and Galloway townships, it's certain to have implications for the other 120 municipalities that have passed similar laws. The ordinances in question prohibited released pedophiles from living within a prescribed distance from schools, parks, playgrounds and other places frequented by children.

Casagrande, a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, said members discussed four bipartisan bills at its September 22, 2008 meeting, but no further action has since been taken on the legislation. She noted that committee Chair Linda Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer, sponsored one of the bills.

The legislation Casagrande is calling for action on includes:

A-285 - Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, childcare centers and playgrounds.

A-526 - Bars high-risk and moderate-risk sex offenders from residing within 2,500 feet of a school, child care center or playground.

A-624 - Permits municipalities to enact ordinance prohibiting sex offenders from living near schools, childcare centers or playgrounds.

A-641 - Permits municipalities to enact ordinances regulating where sex offenders may reside. ..News Source.. by Bayshore News