October 26, 2007
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 Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades

The explosive growth of the Internet over the past decade has made it easier for people to keep connected with old friends and meet new people. However, this unprecedented growth has also increased the dangers that lurk online in chat rooms and on social networking sites. Violent predators are finding electronic communications like e-mail and chat rooms to be an easy way to get in contact with their victims.

Sexual assaults are some of the most frightening and troubling crimes, and we must take the necessary steps to protect the public from those who would commit these crimes. To better protect our children and families, I am cosponsoring legislation that will require convicted sex offenders to register their online screen names and email addresses with state authorities. Senate Bill 490, which was unanimously passed by the Senate last month, would require sex offenders to provide this information to the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as the state Board of Probation and Parole.

In addition to the requirement that offenders register their information, SB 490 also requires those who change their e-mail addresses and/or instant messaging screen name to report those changes to state authorities within 48 hours. These measures will give law enforcement the tools they need to monitor the online activity of society's most dangerous individuals.

These changes would follow enactment of Jessica's Law, legislation signed into law last year that sets a minimum 10-year sentence for any adult who is convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 16 years old and places more severe mandatory sentences for any future assaults. The Senate also strengthened Megan's Law last year to ensure that the public has access to all of the relevant information about potentially violent sexual predators living in their communities.

Information is available online at www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us. I would encourage parents to visit the Megan's Law website and learn more about how they can better protect their children.

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.