Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell reminds residents of the 17th Assembly District that petitions for the Assembly Republican statewide campaign to force Assembly Democrats to act on civil confinement legislation and other measures that further protect New York's children from dangerous sexual predators are available at every library in the district.

Civil confinement allows judges to order the worst sex offenders held in secure mental health facilities beyond their prison release dates if, upon evaluation, there is significant reason to believe they may strike again, Assemblywoman O'Connell explained. Under current law, sexually violent predators are released into communities once their sentences are finished, despite the fact there is a strong possibility they will offend again.

O'Connell wants to increase awareness about and support for civil confinement and strengthening Megan's Law by obtaining signatures from concerned state residents.

"The signed petitions will be sent to Assembly Democrats," she said, "so they realize New Yorkers are concerned and want to keep violent sex offenders off the streets by persuading them to take action on civil confinement legislation."

O'Connell encourages everyone to visit their local libraries, obtain a copy of the petition and circulate it amongst friends and family members who are concerned about the welfare and safety of all women and children on Long Island and across the state. Completed petitions can be mailed to the Assemblywoman O'Connell's district office at 224 Seventh St., Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530.