Ohio First District Congressman Steve Chabot showed his support for the Children’s Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act on March 8. Chabot stated that “This legislation will help keep our neighborhoods safe by increasing criminal penalties and strengthening notification requirements for sex offenders.”
The act will make sure that sex offenders register and keep their personal information current, including where they live, work and even go to school.
Parole-like measures may also be taken, in which, depending on the severity of the crime, the sex offender will be required to have an in-person verification of personal information. This verification may happen monthly if needed. If the offenders fail to meet any of these requirements, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
In addition, states would also be required to notify other states if a sex offender is moving to their state. Also, the use of DNA evidence by law enforcement in sex offense cases would be expanded.
Chabot also supports a website that may be included with the act that would be created for residents to check if there are any registered sex offenders in their neighborhoods.
Aside from the sex offenders, this act also hopes to reduce gang violence. The bill creates harder penalties for any crimes that are in association with the advance of a street gang. It will lengthen jail sentences for gang criminals and also make it possible for 16-year-olds to be tried as adults in court.