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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2009
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Orie, Rafferty Re-Introduce Bill to Require GPS Monitoring of Sex Offenders  

Harrisburg – State Senators Jane Orie (R-40) and John Rafferty (R-44) have re-introduced legislation, Senate Bill 827, to require sexually violent offenders and certain other sex offenders to wear Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring to track their whereabouts.  

The proposal is aimed at further strengthening Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, which protects children and communities by requiring convicted sex offenders to register their names and addresses on the publically accessible Megan’s Law web site (www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/). 

Their legislation would mandate the use of GPS monitoring for individuals determined to be sexually violent predators; sex offenders who have been convicted of a subsequent sex offense after having been required to register; and individuals required to register under Megan’s Law and who have been convicted of failing to register.   

Under the legislation, GPS tracking would be overseen by either the entity supervising the individual’s probation or parole or by the Pennsylvania State Police. It would be a criminal offense to tamper with or remove the GPS device. 

"This is part of an ongoing process to protect children and communities," said Orie. "In the case where an individual has shown through their own behavior that they are unable or unwilling to obey the law, we should take advantage of GPS technology and monitor them for a period of time, or the entire period they are required to be registered under Megan’s Law." 

Rafferty said the legislation is needed to carefully monitor those individuals who pose the greatest harm to children. 

"Sexually violent predators should not be allowed to be around children unsupervised – it’s as simple as that.  This law would ensure that law enforcement officials know where the offenders are and less of a threat," Rafferty said. "These high-risk offenders need to be carefully monitored so they don’t commit more crimes." 

Orie noted that the New Jersey State Parole Board issued a report last year concerning the GPS Monitoring of Sex Offenders Pilot Project Act. The board concluded that: "GPS monitoring has contributed to a significantly lower recidivism rate than nationwide data indicates for high-risk sex offenders. The monitoring also provides an invaluable resource for investigations, by providing data that can be compared with the times and places of new sex crimes." 

The senators have also reintroduced legislation that would establish federally mandated national standards to strengthen sex offender registration and notification.  

Senate Bill 428 would make Pennsylvania one of the first states to implement the national Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, also known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). 

"Pennsylvania has been aggressive in implementing measures to protect children and communities from sex offenders, including Jessica’s Law and recent improvements to Megan’s Law," said Orie.  "GPS monitoring of sex offenders and implementation of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act would be significant additional steps toward increased safety."

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538
Mark Meyer
(717) 787-1398