Throughout my three years as your Nassau County Legislator, I have made it a top priority to protect our children from sex offenders.

When I sponsored Nassau County's Megan's Law in 2005, I worked to ensure that it would be one of the toughest and most comprehensive laws in New York State to crack down on sex offenders. But I didn't stop there.

My colleagues and I took Megan's Law to another level earlier this year when we approved groundbreaking legislation creating residency restrictions for registered sex offenders in Nassau. These new restrictions are a significant enhancement to what was already a nationally renowned Megan's Law. All registered sex offenders (Level I, II and III) are now prohibited from residing within 1,000 feet from the entrances of a school, or 500 feet from the perimeter of a county, town, village, or city-run public park which contains a playground. Violators will be punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or possible jail time.

As the latest example of my ongoing commitment to protect our most vulnerable residents, I am very pleased to announce that I will host a special community forum on Thursday, October 12. I invite all residents to join me at 7 PM at the General Douglas MacArthur High School auditorium in Levittown as I welcome our special guests: District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Parents for Megan's Law Executive Director Laura Ahearn, and Assistant District Attorney Stephen Treglia, chief of the DA's Technology Crimes Unit. These noted experts will discuss various child safety topics including Megan's Law, the sex offender registry, Nassau's new residency restriction law, and tips on how to protect your children from sex offenders and online predators.

"Protecting Our Children From Sex Offenders"

Thursday, October 12 7 p.m.

General Douglas MacArthur High School

3369 Old Jerusalem Road, Levittown

Featured speakers:

Hon. Kathleen Rice, Nassau County District Attorney

Ms. Laura Ahearn, executive director, Parents for Megan's Law

ADA Stephen Treglia, chief of the DA's Technology Crimes Unit

Space is limited, so please call my office at 571-6214 to reserve a seat. As always, please never hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.