ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 25, 1996 TAG: 9604250072
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press WASHINGTON
State and local law enforcement agencies would be required to release information on the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders under a measure approved Wednesday by the House Judiciary Committee.
The legislation, approved by voice vote, would amend a 1994 anti-crime bill that simply allows authorities to release the information.
The action follows a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday on a proposed constitutional amendment to ensure crime victims' rights. It reflects strong sentiments in Congress that more needs to be done to protect victims of crime.
The sex offender bill, which reflects strong sentiments in Congress that more needs to be done to protect victims of crime, was named ``Megan's Law'' after Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl raped and killed in 1994. Versions of the law were passed throughout the country after a convicted sex offender was charged with the crime.
The federal bill's sponsor, Rep. Dick Zimmer, R-N.J., said at an earlier hearing that 47 states have adopted sex offender registration laws but there is a wide difference in notification practices.
Several lawmakers expressed concern that mandatory notification would lead to persecution of people who have served their time for crimes and have a right to return to society.
``It presumes that a person will engage in some kind of (illegal) conduct again,'' said Rep. Melvin Watt, D-N.C.
A federal judge in New Jersey has issued a temporary ban on enforcement of the notification law there. Opponents say the law is unconstitutional.
The committee approved several other anti-crime measures. Among them are bills that would:
Increase sentences for crimes against children, the elderly and the physically or mentally vulnerable.
Amend the federal criminal code to set penalties for interstate stalking.
End a federal prison program in which drug addicts who complete treatment can win release up to a year earlier than drug-free inmates convicted of the same crimes.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB