Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) and Nassau County Majority lawmakers this week approved a local law to ensure that police department officials notify vulnerable populations about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders residing in their vicinities. The proposed law mandates that the police department disseminate information it receives from the state concerning Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Under current state law, police may use their discretion regarding the release of information they receive from the state about Level 2 sex offenders.

In addition, the law also requires that police establish and maintain a database of groups serving vulnerable populations that will be notified about sex offenders who have moved into the area. The law also encourages the police to use email when notifying groups whose members may be subject to victimization by sex offenders.

"The current Megan's Law is an invaluable tool for informing the public about the presence of certain sex offenders in the communities, but we believe that it can be more effective by requiring the County's law enforcement agencies to notify entities with vulnerable populations about such offenders residing in their vicinities," said Mejias.

"This local law will ensure the widest possible dissemination of information about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders," he added. "In light of recent tragic news events involving small children and registered sex offenders, it becomes even more imperative that the community have available the information necessary to protect their loved ones."

The law also encourages groups that may be vulnerable, such as youth groups, women, and senior citizens, to register for notification with the police department, which will maintain a database of such organizations and populations. A qualified local entity should issue a written request to be included in the database.

"By making the notification by the county mandatory, we can best protect the public safety of these vulnerable groups," said Mejias.

Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) and majority members recently approved a $2.5 million information technology upgrade for Nassau Community College, which once completed, will enable students to register online, make payments and access class information.

"The $2.5 million project will allow for the future growth of the college," according to Mejias. The project was included in the county's recently-approved $96.5 million capital plan and will allow for online registration, online payments, access class information and maintain more consistent operation, particularly during peak enrollment periods.

"Nassau Community College students will now have the option to register at their convenience," said Mejias. "In fact, other colleges report that the peak time for online registration is sometime around 3 a.m., so this is obviously a wonderful option for students."

Increased online capability allows students more flexibility in finding and creating the perfect schedule, available information about the offered courses and saves them the hassle of being blocked out of a required course.

Sean Fanelli, president of Nassau Community College, was pleased with the legislature's decision to approve the project. "Through this project, the legislature shows its continuing support for Nassau Community College and its mission of serving its students and Long Island Community," Fanelli said.

Mejias added, "An investment in our student's education is an investment in Nassau County's future."