A proposed bill that would close two loopholes in New York State's Megan's Law has been in the Senate and is now in the Assembly. If it fails to pass by March 11, various agencies and programs stand to lose $3 million in federal funding through the Byrne Grant.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre, would add sexual misconduct and third-degree sexual abuse to those crimes that require offenders to register with the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

"This is vital legislation for New York State," said Senator Skelos. "This bill not only strengthens our Sex Offender Registry by preventing dangerous sex offenders from circumventing the requirements for Megan's Law, it also ensures that New York will continue to receive its full share of this vital federal grant."

Laura Ahearn, of Parents for Megan's Law, an organization dedicated to protecting children from the dangers posed by sex offenders, cited a case in which a 38-year-old man who had been convicted of third degree sexual abuse befriended a Coram family that he rented a room from. Eventually, he was indicted on 28 counts of sex crimes including sodomy against boys ranging in age from 8 to 14, including the family's son. "Incredibly, he was not required to register in New York State," Ahearn said. "The damage that this man caused in this community to these children and families is unspeakable."

Had third degree sexual abuse been a part of New York State's version of Megan's Law, the Coram family would have been entitled to notification that a convicted sex crimes offender was living in the community and in their home.

The legislation introduced by Senator Skelos makes those convicted of third degree sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, as well as sex offenses committed as hate crimes or acts of terrorism, register with the state Sex Offender Registry, making their whereabouts public knowledge.

"If this legislation is not passed, sex offenders are going unnoticed in our communities and are able to access children freely," Ahearn said.

Senator Skelos announced the legislation had passed the Senate and urged the Assembly to pass it. Ahearn suggested that residents not only write their assemblyperson, but call as well to urge the Assembly to pass the bill.

The assemblyman for Elmont, Franklin Square and West Hempstead, Tom Alfano, said he is in full support of the proposed law. "Communities, families and parents have to be given as much information as possible and not only deserve to have that information, but have it in a timely manner," Alfano said.

With the March 11 deadline approaching for the Byrne Grant, the bill is apparently in the Assembly's hands. "We are working closely with the governor and the Senate on making some necessary changes in the law and we do expect to pass legislation that would address those changes," said Assembly press spokesperson Dan Weiller.

The community of Elmont had become more aware of Megan's Law when Ahearn visited one of the Elmont Schools to hold a seminar on the topic when it was learned that two Level 3 sex offenders had moved into the Belmont Inn.