Legislators launch Lunsford petition

Last Updated on Friday, March 23, 2012 03:03 pm Written by Steve Prisament Friday, March 23, 2012 01:33 pm

TRENTON – Ninth District legislators Sen. Christopher J. Connors and Assembly members Brian E. Rumpf and DiAnne C. Gove have launched an online petition drive to advance several legislative initiatives to enhance the state’s sexual offender laws.

Their petition, which can be viewed and signed at district9.senatenj.com, supports the adoption of the Jessica Lunsford Act, which would increase penalties for people who commit sex crimes against minors and those who harbor or conceal sex offenders.

The petition addresses additional legislation that would prohibit convicted sexual offenders from living near schools, playgrounds and child care centers, and supports efforts to properly "tier" sex offenders prior to their release from prison.

Each of the measures has been introduced and sponsored by the 9th District delegation for several legislative sessions, and all are currently awaiting committee action.