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Senate approves notification of sex offenders attending schools
The Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure that would require
sex offenders enrolling in a public or private school to notify the
county sheriff who, in turn, would be required to notify the school.
Rep.
Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, who prime-sponsored House Bill 2101,
said it would set in motion a series of required events once a convicted
sex offender indicates he or she would be attending a school.
"Once the sheriff tells the school principal about the sex offender, the
principal would be required to notify those people who would likely be
supervising that student. If the offender is listed as Level II or Level
III, teachers would be notified," said Pearson, ranking Republican on
the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. "Notification is
designed to allow people to be aware and take precautions that would
help to protect other students."
The measure previously was approved in the House. In the Senate, the
bill was amended to clarify that schools for the deaf and blind are also
included. The amendment delayed the effective date until Sept. 1, 2006,
and requires the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s safety
center to make recommendations about the training needed for principals,
teachers, supervisors and school staff.
"This bill is a good step forward toward increasing safety in our
schools and protecting innocent children," noted Pearson.
The measure is being sent back to the House to concur on the amendment.
If the House agrees with the amendment, the bill will be sent to the
governor to sign into law.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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