Response to State of the Union
July 25, 2006
Hayworth-Backed Legislation Tracks Down Child Abusers
Passage of new bill designed to safeguard children awaits President's signature
WASHINGTON Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) today joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in overwhelmingly passing the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (H.R. 4472), designed to strengthen sex offender registry programs and enhance internet safeguards that bolster protection from child exploitation and child pornography.
This legislation includes Hayworth's provision for a centralized database that shares information on child abusers already collected by states. Frequently, abusers will attempt to hide themselves and their victims by relocating to another state. The national registry will let abusers, as well as police, know that no matter where they live, they are being tracked.
"Because child predators tend to be repeat offenders, it is imperative that we put into place a more effective system of tracking and monitoring their whereabouts and activities," said Rep. Hayworth. "This legislation will require sex offenders to register with state and local police on a more timely and frequent basis and establishes a system that will allow better intra-agency communications between law enforcement agencies."
Hayworth has a long history of working with local advocacy groups to support stricter restrictions for child abusers. The passage of this legislation is a significant milestone in the fight to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.
"We are so grateful for the determination and leadership of our elected officials from Arizona, Rep. Hayworth and Sen. Kyl, along with many others in our Capitol who teamed up to spearhead this legislation. Hopefully, this signals progress in the fight to stop the vicious and devastating cycle of abuse afflicting our most precious resources: our children," said Mrs. Sarah O'Meara and Mrs. Yvonne Fedderson of Scottsdale-based Childhelp, a leading national non-profit focused on the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse in America.
The bill has already passed the Senate and now heads to the White House for the President's signature, where it will become law.
http://hayworth.house.gov/cgi-data/news/files/399.shtml