ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 8, 1996 TAG: 9605080046
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
States would have to inform the public when dangerous sex offenders are released from prison and move to their neighborhoods under a bill passed Tuesday night by the House.
The legislation, a federal version of New Jersey's ``Megan's Law,'' was one of four separate anti-crime bills considered Tuesday by the House.
Lawmakers voted 414-4 for a two-strikes-and-you're-out measure that would enable federal prosecutors to seek life sentences without parole for repeat offenders convicted of rape or serious sexual assault.
``It's time we got tougher on the most violent, repeat sexual offenders,'' said Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y. That bill also toughens sentences for crimes against children, the elderly and the disabled.
A third bill, passed by voice vote, would expand the reach of federal anti-stalking provisions to include strangers who cross state lines to injure or harass another person.
Awaiting a final vote was a bill that would increase from the current 10 years the punishment of those convicted of jury or witness tampering or retaliating against a witness.
The Clinton administration supports the new Megan's Law bill and the anti-stalking bill. It also supports tougher penalties for crimes against children, the elderly and the disabled but has taken no position on mandating life sentences for a second conviction for violent sexual assault.
``Today we're putting the rights of children above the rights of convicted sex offenders,'' said Rep. Dick Zimmer, R-N.J., the bill's author.
The bill is named after 7-year-old Megan Kanka of Hamilton Township, N.J., who was killed two years ago. A convicted sex offender who lived across the street from her home - unbeknown to her family - is accused of the crime.
New Jersey passed a law mandating various levels of notification depending on an offender's record. And a 1994 federal law included provisions allowing but not mandating such notifications when a know sex offender is released from prison.
The House bill would require such notification, but let states rate the danger that offenders pose and determine how much public warning would be appropriate.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB