[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MEGAN'S LAW

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of 
H.R. 2137, a bill known as Megan's law. I am a cosponsor of this 
important legislation and I commend my colleague, Mr. Zimmer, for his 
work on behalf of innocent children nationwide.
  As a resident of New Jersey, this particular bill is a painful 
reminder of the brutal tragedy that took an innocent child's life 
almost 2 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I know that we cannot bring back 7-
year-old Megan Kanka, for whom this bill is named. We can, however, 
ensure that in the future our sons and daughters are protected from 
known sex offenders that prey on them.
  We often speak of parental responsibility and the importance of 
making informed decisions concerning the well-being of our children. 
This bill is about empowering parents with information to do just that.
  H.R. 2137 would require that States make public pertinent information 
on individuals previously convicted of sex crimes or kidnaping.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe our communities have the right to know if 
their children are at risk. As a former Federal prosecutor and the 
father of two children, I want to know if a convicted child molester 
has moved into my neighborhood. Had Maureen and Richard Kanka been 
informed that a known pedophile lived around the corner, Megan would 
probably be alive today. Instead, she was raped and murdered right 
across the street. If only they had known.
  It is also important to point out that in my home State of New 
Jersey, our version of Megan's law is being challenged on the grounds 
of its constitutionality and has been temporarily halted by a court 
injunction. I am hopeful the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will 
uphold this legislation and place the safety of our children above the 
protection of their offenders.
  Mr. Speaker, I can think of no greater fear than harm coming to my 
children. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to parents of Megan 
Kanka and those who loved her. We must not allow this little girl's 
life to be taken in vain. How many children must fall victim before 
action is taken.
  Again, I thank my colleague from New Jersey and the Judiciary 
Committee for their leadership on this important bill. I strongly 
support passage of H.R. 2137 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

                          ____________________