Citing reported attempts of individuals selling "souvenirs" found at the World Trade Center disaster, NYS Assemblyman David G. McDonough called for the passage of legislation that would ban the purchase and sale of items taken from crime scenes. The proposed measure was introduced at a news conference at the state capitol in Albany and is included in a seven-bill package to help protect crime victims.

"It is absolutely atrocious that someone would try to profit from the pain and suffering of crime victims and their families," McDonough said. "I couldn't imagine how a family would feel if they found a sale on the Internet or in the newspaper of something found at the site of the World Trade Center. The individuals who lost their lives that horrific day should be honored, not exploited."

Specifically, the bill describes "murder memorabilia" to include items such as locks of hair from a convicted killer, letters and autographs, as well as items actually involved in a crime or taken from a crime scene.

Other legislation in the package includes:

* Diverting lawsuit damage awards received by prison inmates directly to the benefit of their victims.

* Raising the age for child sex abuse victims to testify by closed circuit television from 12 to 16.

* Requiring the state education commissioner to provide monthly lists of missing children to schools and requiring administrators to compare those lists to their student enrollment.

* Granting victims the right to be present at every stage of criminal proceedings against their alleged attacker.

* Requiring district attorneys to consult with victims and keep them informed of every stage of criminal proceedings.

* Mandating HIV tests of accused sex offenders and disclosing results to victims upon request.