Prohibits level two or three sex offenders from voting at a school or facility for children; authorizes absentee voting for such offenders.
Summary
Bill S03095 amends the penal law, election law, and education law to prohibit level two and level three sex offenders from voting in person at polling places located within schools or facilities for children. It establishes two new offenses: unlawfully entering or remaining in such a facility for the purpose of voting, classified as a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for subsequent offenses within ten years. The bill also provides for absentee voting for these offenders, ensuring they can participate in elections while adhering to the restrictions imposed by their status.
Impact
The bill significantly alters the voting rights of level two and level three sex offenders in New York State by restricting their ability to vote in person at certain locations. It also mandates that the Board of Elections compile a list of these offenders eligible for absentee ballots, thus facilitating their participation in elections while maintaining safety protocols around schools and facilities for children. This legislation aligns with broader efforts to manage the voting rights of individuals with certain criminal backgrounds.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03095 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that it enhances the safety of children by preventing sex offenders from voting in schools, while opponents may view it as an infringement on the voting rights of individuals who have served their sentences. There is no recorded voting history or committee discussion available to provide further insights into the legislative sentiment.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between public safety and the rights of individuals with criminal records. Advocates for the bill emphasize the need to protect children in educational environments, while critics may argue that the bill unfairly penalizes sex offenders who have completed their sentences and could hinder their reintegration into society. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions leaves the specific factions in opposition unclear.
Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities and creating criminal penalties for violation thereof.
Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities and creating criminal penalties for violation thereof.
Senate Substitute for HB 2164 by Committee on Judiciary - Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities and creating criminal penalties for violation thereof.
Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities, prohibiting courts from assigning a defendant to work release if the defendant is required to register as a sex offender for certain crimes and prohibiting the secretary of corrections from granting an inmate leave from confinement except for specified purposes if theinmate is required to register as a sex offender for certain crimes or is serving a sentence for certain crimes that require registration as a sex offender.