Dubie calls on lawmakers to take up Jessica’s Law (H.418) in January.

(MONTPELIER) –Lt. Governor Brian Dubie today commended Senate and House leaders for passing a bill that will put tougher restrictions on high-risk, untreated sex offenders who are living in Vermont’s communities, and likely to re-offend.

Dubie said, “There are some 40 convicted high-risk sex offenders who are living in Vermont communities today. They have refused to participate in or to complete sex-offender treatment. We know each one is highly likely to commit another sexual assault, against another innocent child or adult in Vermont. Now, Vermont’s law enforcement community can act to protect their next victims.”

In March, the Vermont Senate passed S.123, “An Act Relating to Increased Sex Offender Registry Requirements for Noncompliant High-Risk Sex-Offenders”. The bill was a collaborative effort by Dubie, state Senator Dick Sears (Bennington) and Public Safety Commissioner Kerry Sleeper. They offered it as an alternative to Governor Jim Douglas’ proposed civil confinement bill, a tougher measure that lacked legislative support, and would have extended prison stays for high-risk offenders who have served their terms without successfully completing sex-offender treatment. The new law will require high-risk re-offenders to report to authorities every 30 days instead of the current 1 year. It will tighten other reporting requirements as well. An individual failing to comply will face up to life imprisonment.

“The legislature’s willingness to work with us on this public safety proposal is a good sign,” Dubie said. “While it doesn’t provide the certainty of keeping high-risk, likely-to-repeat sex offenders behind bars, it does impose rigorous reporting requirements that Vermont’s law enforcement community will welcome.”

Dubie continued, “Vermont needs Jessica’s Law. I believe strongly in protecting the public – especially Vermont’s children – from the deep scars that this kind of hideous crime leaves behind. H.418, a Jessica’s Law for Vermont, was introduced in the Vermont House of Representatives last February, referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and has not been acted upon since.”

Dubie is calling on Vermonters to write to or talk with their state senators and representatives in support of H.418, between now and January, when the legislature reconvenes. Vermonters can find names and contact information for their legislators in the Legislative Directory at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/

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