House Republican Press Release

April 5, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Labriola Calls for Timely Action on Measures to Protect Children from Sex Offenders

Legislation Would Provide for Enhanced School Security; Child Safety Zones; Internet Safety Training

State Representative David Labriola today called on the Connecticut legislature to enact several proposals that would give children more protection from sexual predators.

“These proposals would help parents identify convicted predators who live in their communities and also enable parents to provide more detailed information to police to help locate their children if they go missing,” said Representative Labriola, R-131^st District, who serves on the Judiciary Committee.

“Another measure I support would create ‘safety zones’ at playgrounds and other places where children congregate. All these measures will make our towns and cities safer places for our children,” Representative Labriola said.

The legislation would:

· Make schools safer by strengthening security and imposing single entrances for all buildings.

· Establish Child Safety Zones where criminals would face significantly tougher penalties for crimes committed within them.

· Require school contractors to submit lists of employees for background checks to ensure individuals who could pose a threat to children are not allowed on school premises. Currently only teachers and janitors are subject to background checks.

· Require that the state’s sex offender database display up-to-date addresses, photographs and easily understood information about sex offenders and the crimes they committed.

· Expand the state’s Child Identity System and give parents more opportunities to provide local law enforcement agencies with critical information, including DNA samples and photos that accurately reflect the changes in their children’s appearance as they age.

Provide for comprehensive Internet safety training to equip teachers, parents, and children with the knowledge they need to avoid the dangers of online predators and other pitfalls.