Jessica’s Law – Hometown View

Nearly a decade ago former Beachwood mayor Harold Morris found out that a man who had raped a young girl was living in the borough, not far from a school bus stop. The man had lived there for months without the knowledge of any local authorities. It turns out that as part of New Jersey’s Megan’s Law, sexual offenders are not classified until after they are released from prison and it can take several months before even the police are aware that one is living in their community. Morris felt strongly that the classification process should be completed before a sex offender leaves prison so local officials and residents are aware of who is living in their neighborhood. To that end he helped launch a petition drive to close that loophole and more than 10,000 people signed it but the state legislature never took action.

Morris has refused to let the issue die and he has found support from 9th District Senator Chris Connors as well as Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove. The trio are co-sponsors of the Jessica Lunsford Act, also known as Jessica’s Law which would strengthen Megan’s Law and offer added protection to children from sexual predators.

As part of that legislation convicted sex offenders would be prohibited from living near schools, playgrounds and child care centers and they would have to be classified or “tiered” before they leave prison, which law enforcement officials have sought for years.

The 9th district lawmakers are turning to the public to convince others in Trenton that there is support for stronger and tougher laws so they have launched an online petition drive through their legislative website district9.senatenj.com.

The trio feel than an online petition drive is an effective grass roots way for the public to express their opinions and as the saying goes there is strength in numbers.

If you want to send a message that you support Jessica’s Law and want added protection for children then here is your chance. Sign the online petition that Connors, Rumpf and Gove have launched at district9.senatenj.com. Not only that tell your family and friends and spread the word so every possible step can be taken to avoid tragedies like the ones which took the lives of Megan Kanka and Jessica Lunsford.