WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By NYS Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. July 22, 2006: The 2006 legislative session was a success because of several agreements to toughen New York’s crime laws. I sponsored and supported bipartisan legislation to expand the state’s DNA database, improve the sex offender registry and increase penalties for DWI.
Expanding the DNA Database
New York’s criminal DNA database will roughly triple in size under a new agreement between the Assembly and Senate. In a bipartisan fashion, we worked together to increase the DNA database to encompass people convicted of felonies and 18 key misdemeanors, including petit larceny (A. 11951A). Modern science has equipped us with powerful tools and today’s DNA technology has revolutionized criminal investigations. The Legislature’s agreement will allow law enforcement to take criminals off our streets and protect our citizenry.
Protecting our families from Sex Offenders
I sponsored an important new law to enhance Megan’s Law. This enhancement adds Level 2, moderate-risk sex-offenders to the state’s on-line sex offender registry. In addition, it authorizes local police authorities to provide information concerning low-risk Level 1 offenders to entities with vulnerable populations (Ch. 106 of 2006).
The Assembly and Senate have passed legislation that I sponsored to crack down on the most dangerous sexual predators (A.8939A). The measure will create the crime of predatory sexual assault, elevating penalties for Class B violent felony sex crimes to a maximum of life in prison if the perpetrator acts especially violent, is a repeat offender, or attacks a child under 13. I urge the governor to promptly sign this legislation into law.
The Legislature also passed a bill increasing the penalties for incest (A.9305B). This bill assures that a person who commits a violent sexual assault against a youthful family member faces charges that are at least as severe as the charges brought against a person who commits such a crime against a non-family member.
Toughening DWI Penalties
Bipartisan agreements were reached on the strictest DWI legislation in decades:
· Increasing penalties for repeat drunk drivers who subsequently kill or seriously injure others (A.10619B)
· Enacting comprehensive reforms to the state’s approach to alcohol and other drug related traffic offenses (A.11963).
By enacting these laws, New York is sending a message that we will not tolerate crime. I look forward to returning to Albany to continue working in a bipartisan fashion to help keep criminals off our streets and protect our families.
