Representative Don Humason



HUMASON PUSHING TOUGH NEW MEASURE AGAINST SEX OFFENDERS *Bill gives officials more time and better tools to punish child predators.* If recent legislative efforts prove successful, prosecutors soon will have more time to bring charges against sex offenders who victimize children, and law enforcement will have more authority to closely monitor dangerous sex offenders in local communities. According to Don Humason, Jr., Westfield's State Representative, the tough new proposals were made in the past few days as House and Senate lawmakers worked cooperatively to advance a crime fighting package that was left unfinished at the end of formal sessions in July. "This bill is a good start towards toughening laws on dangerous sex offenders," Humason said. "And for this legislative session, which is informal, meaning controversial matters are less likely to pass for the rest of the year, it would be a significant accomplishment to pass anything with this kind of impact." On Friday, House members approved an amendment that gives prosecutors unlimited time to file charges against people accused of certain sex crimes, including rape and abuse of a child. The proposal is an expansion of previous plans which sought to extend the current 15-year statute of limitations to 27 years after a crime is committed or the victim reaches the age of 16. As a compromise to protect the constitutional rights of the accused, lawmakers also agreed to require that prosecutors put forward independent evidence to corroborate a victim’s accusations whenever charges are brought more than 27 years after a crime occurs. This evidence can include opinions from mental health experts but it must consist of other supportive testimony as well. Other parts of the bill significantly increase the number of sex offenders who are required to be monitored electronically by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems. The legislation also tightens sex offender classification and registration requirements, and it prevents the most dangerous sex offenders from establishing residence in state nursing homes. House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R – North Reading) indicated that the bill’s advancement signals hope for the resolution of other important legislative issues between now and the end of the year. “I am pleased the House and Senate could put aside politics and agree on these changes after our formal sessions ended,” he said. “As legislators, we have an obligation to protect our communities and to respond to public demand for greater security. This bill does just that. It’s time for us to get tougher on sex offenders, and I hope this bill will be passed into law quickly.” "It's an issue that I'm constantly reminded is so important to the people of Westfield," Humason said. "Parents call me at my office and approach me at events and ask, 'Why aren't there stronger laws against sex offenders?' Senator Knapik and I are working towards getting this passed. This law against sex offenders couldn't come any sooner as far as we're concerned. If it were up to me, sex offenders who were a 'high risk to re-offend' would be locked up until they were too old to re-offend," said Humason. Senators concurred with the House amendments to the bill during an informal session on Monday. The bill now awaits final legislative enactment, after which it will be sent to the Governor for his approval. * * * Representative Don Humason and his aide Joe Wynn may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 443, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2460. Email address: rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us
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HUMASON PUSHING TOUGH NEW MEASURE AGAINST SEX OFFENDERS
Bill gives officials more time and better tools to punish child predators.

If recent legislative efforts prove successful, prosecutors soon will have more time to bring charges against sex offenders who victimize children, and law enforcement will have more authority to closely monitor dangerous sex offenders in local communities.

According to Don Humason, Jr., Westfield's State Representative, the tough new proposals were made in the past few days as House and Senate lawmakers worked cooperatively to advance a crime fighting package that was left unfinished at the end of formal sessions in July.

"This bill is a good start towards toughening laws on dangerous sex offenders," Humason said. "And for this legislative session, which is informal, meaning controversial matters are less likely to pass for the rest of the year, it would be a significant accomplishment to pass anything with this kind of impact."

On Friday, House members approved an amendment that gives prosecutors unlimited time to file charges against people accused of certain sex crimes, including rape and abuse of a child. The proposal is an expansion of previous plans which sought to extend the current 15-year statute of limitations to 27 years after a crime is committed or the victim reaches the age of 16.

As a compromise to protect the constitutional rights of the accused, lawmakers also agreed to require that prosecutors put forward independent evidence to corroborate a victim’s accusations whenever charges are brought more than 27 years after a crime occurs. This evidence can include opinions from mental health experts but it must consist of other supportive testimony as well.

Other parts of the bill significantly increase the number of sex offenders who are required to be monitored electronically by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems. The legislation also tightens sex offender classification and registration requirements, and it prevents the most dangerous sex offenders from establishing residence in state nursing homes.

House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R – North Reading) indicated that the bill’s advancement signals hope for the resolution of other important legislative issues between now and the end of the year. “I am pleased the House and Senate could put aside politics and agree on these changes after our formal sessions ended,” he said. “As legislators, we have an obligation to protect our communities and to respond to public demand for greater security. This bill does just that. It’s time for us to get tougher on sex offenders, and I hope this bill will be passed into law quickly.”

"It's an issue that I'm constantly reminded is so important to the people of Westfield," Humason said. "Parents call me at my office and approach me at events and ask, 'Why aren't there stronger laws against sex offenders?' Senator Knapik and I are working towards getting this passed. This law against sex offenders couldn't come any sooner as far as we're concerned. If it were up to me, sex offenders who were a 'high risk to re-offend' would be locked up until they were too old to re-offend," said Humason.

Senators concurred with the House amendments to the bill during an informal session on Monday. The bill now awaits final legislative enactment, after which it will be sent to the Governor for his approval.

* * *

Representative Don Humason and his aide Joe Wynn may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.
Their Boston address is State House Room 443, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2460. Email address: rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us