[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15251-15254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                              AIMEE'S LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MATT SALMON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2000

  Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, the amended version of H.R. 894, which we 
are considering today does not include the section in the original bill 
that provided compensation to the victims of the crimes covered under 
this bill. This section, which would have transferred $100,000 to each 
victim of these crimes, was removed from the legislation over a year 
ago. In fact, the version of Aimee's Law that the House passed by a 
vote of 412 to 15 on June 16, 1999, as an amendment to the Juvenile 
Crime Bill (H.R. 1501), also did not contain the $100,000 transfer 
section. Although I believe strongly that victims of recidivist crime 
deserve compensation, out of deference to Members who raised concerns 
that this could complicate the administration of the act, the section 
was removed. Additionally, the comments provided by the Department of 
Justice [DOJ] on the transfer section apply to Aimee's Law as 
introduced, not the current version, and should also be discarded.
  The amended version of H.R. 894 simply provides additional funding to 
states that convict a murderer, rapist, or child molester, if that 
criminal had previously been convicted of one of those same crimes in a 
different state. The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal 
would be deducted from the Federal crime assistance funds intended to 
go to the first state, and instead be given to the second state that 
obtained the conviction. This is fair. Most would agree that a state 
that releases a violent predator who commits another murder, rape or 
sex offense in another state should be held responsible for their 
actions.
  As to the administration of Aimee's Law, if you can operate a 
calculator, you can perform the calculations required to implement the 
bill. DOJ conducts far more complicated calculations than those 
required under H.R. 894. Smartly, the bill provides DOJ with maximum 
flexibility in administering the act. DOJ may use different sources of 
Federal assistance to implement the transfer provision of the act. The 
burden on the states is minimal. The act requires DOJ to consult with 
the chief executive of the state affected to establish a payment 
schedule. In any event, states should seize the initiative and respond 
to this law by keeping dangerous rapists, murderers, and child 
molesters behind bars until they are no longer a threat to society.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit the following endorsements and editorials for 
the Congressional Record.

                                      Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order


                                         of Police ,

                                    Washington, DC, July 10, 2000.
     Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
     Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing this letter to advise you of 
     the strong support of the more than 290,000 members of the 
     Fraternal Order of Police for H.R. 894, ``Aimee's Law: No 
     Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists or Child Molesters 
     Act,'' which we understand will be brought to the House floor 
     tomorrow under suspension of the rules.
       The F.O.P. has been working closely with the bill's 
     sponsor, Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ), for several years 
     now. The legislation passed the House as an amendment to H.R. 
     1501, the ``Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act of 
     1999,'' by a 412-15 vote and passed the Senate as an 
     amendment to S. 254, the ``Violent and Repeat Juvenile 
     Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act'' by an 81-17 
     vote. Clearly, this is a bill for which there is broad 
     bipartisan agreement.
       This bill as amended will provide additional funding to 
     States that convict a murderer, rapist or child molester, if 
     that criminal had previously been convicted of one of those 
     crimes in a different State. The cost of prosecuting and 
     incarcerating the criminal would be deducted from Federal 
     crime funds received by the first State and instead be sent 
     to the State that obtained the second conviction. If 
     criminals are convicted in a ``truth-in-sentencing'' State 
     and the criminal served at least eighty-five (85%) percent of 
     his or her sentence, then there would be no transfer of 
     funds.
       Criminals who get locked up and stay locked up no longer 
     pose any danger or threat to public safety. Recidivist rates 
     for murderers, rapists and child molesters are high--but the 
     cost to the victims and the communities they terrorize is 
     higher still. Congressman Salmon's bill takes the right step 
     by encouraging States to employ the death penalty where 
     available and appropriate, or at least keep our most heinous 
     criminals behind bars for the rest of their lives.
       One of the most frustrating aspects of law enforcement is 
     seeing the guilty go free and, once free, commit another 
     heinous crime. Lives can be saved and tragedies averted if we 
     have the will to keep these predators locked up. Congressman 
     Salmon's bill addresses this issue smartly, without 
     Federalizing crimes and without infringing on the State and 
     local responsibilities of local law enforcement by providing 
     accountability and responsibility to States who release their 
     murderers, rapists, and child molesters to prey again on the 
     innocent.
       On behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of 
     Police, I urge the House to again adopt this bill and send it 
     to the Senate. If I can be of any further assistance, please 
     do not hesitate to contact me, or Executive Director Jim 
     Pasco, at my Washington office, (202) 547-8189.
           Sincerely,
                                              Gilbert G. Gallegos,
                                               National President.

                                  ____
                                  

                     From the Desk of Fred Goldman

       I am pleased to lend my continued support of Matt Salmon's 
     bill ``HR 894''--Aimees Law. I strongly urge quick passage of 
     ``No second chances for murders, rapists, and child 
     molesters.''
       Violent crime has become part of our way of life in this 
     nation. Every second of every day, a violent criminal strikes 
     somewhere in our country. A violent crime is committed every 
     19 seconds. A girl or woman is raped--every 70 seconds. A 
     child is molested--also every 70 seconds. And a child or 
     adult is murdered--every 28 minutes. We are a nation besieged 
     with violence.
       Since the introduction of this bill in July of 1998, as an 
     amendment to the Juvenile Crime Bill, approximately 825,000 
     women or girls have been raped--and an equal number, 825,000 
     children have been sexually molested--and more than 36,000 
     people have been murdered.
       Less than 3% of our total population commit 100% of this 
     violence. These people recommit their horrible crimes over, 
     and over again--because we let them. The average time served 
     in prison for rape--5 years, the average time served for 
     molesting a child--less than 4 years, and the average time 
     served for committing murder--7\1/2\ years. And then, these 
     monsters are released, and out recommitting these same crimes 
     again. Because we let them! We are a nation that continues to 
     put violent felons back on the street, knowing full well, 
     that they will rape, molest and murder again.
       There are no accurate records maintained as to where 
     violent felons go after their release from prison. Good 
     common sense, however, tells us that many of these monsters 
     will travel to different states and recommit their heinous 
     acts--again.
       Rapists don't stop raping, child molesters don't stop 
     molesting, and murders don't stop murdering--just because 
     they move to a new state. To take the chance that they might, 
     is too big a risk. One more victim, is one to many.
       Encouraging States, through the passage of this bill, to 
     get tough on violent criminals and keep them behind bars for 
     at least 85% of their sentence is the only smart thing to do. 
     A released violent felon is a new violent crime just waiting 
     to happen. The longer these people are kept in prison, the 
     safer the rest of us will be.
       Every step must be taken, no matter how small, to insure 
     the safety of the citizens of this country. If the passage of 
     this bill prevents only one woman from being raped, only one 
     child from being molested--or, only one murder from being 
     committed then each and every legislator can feel proud.
       Don't wait until your loved one is a victim of violent 
     crime. I can assure you, that is a nightmare you don't want 
     to experience. Any delay in the passage of ``HR 894'' is 
     unacceptable. Remember--lives are at stake.

                                  ____
                                  

                                  Bruce and Janice Grieshaber,

                                       Camillus, NY, July 8, 2000.
     To: Congressman Matt Salmon.
     From: Bruce and Janice Grieshaber.
     Re: HR 894--Aimee's Law.
       Our daughter, Jenna, was murdered on November 6, 1997, by a 
     paroled violent felon. Her death deeply impacted two large 
     communities in New York--Albany, where she was killed, and 
     Syracuse, her hometown. Both communities rallied to force 
     passage of legislation in New York that effectively 
     eliminates parole for all violent felons and creates up to 
     five years of post-release supervision. This legislation was 
     dubbed ``Jenna's

[[Page 15252]]

     Law'' by Governor George Pataki. This law will, according to 
     the Rand Corporation, eliminate over 200,000 violent felonies 
     in the next 15 years.
       Our family has been through the police knocking at our door 
     at 2:00 am to tell us our daughter has been murdered. We have 
     sat in a police station, not 20 feet from her killer, being 
     told that he was out on ``mandatory release'' parole. We have 
     felt the utter confusion as to why the system had to free 
     this animal even though he had 19 counts of illegal behavior 
     in prison. We still anguish with the utter senselessness of a 
     system that would put this violent creature back on the 
     streets to injure, maim and kill. We now work with other 
     victims, some of whom have lost a loved one who has been 
     paroled in one state to move to and kill in another.
       There is nothing in this world that can adequately describe 
     the loss of a child. That they were senselessly murdered 
     deepens the feeling. That they were senselessly murdered by 
     someone who should have still been in prison creates a mind-
     numbing confusion that is completely inexplicable.
       We totally support a law that would force states to reduce 
     options for, or eliminate parole for violent felons. We think 
     the 30,000 good people from every congressional district of 
     New York State who signed petitions supporting Jenna's Law 
     would do so for Aimee's Law. We implore the House of 
     Representatives and Senate to listen to the people who have 
     become victims and truly want an end to the horror that could 
     befall any household in America. Please, please, pass HR 894.

                                  ____
                                  

                                        Klaas Kids Foundation,

                                      Sausalito, CA, July 7, 2000.
     Representative Matt Salmon,
     U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Re: Aimee's Law
       Dear Representative Salmon: My promise to Polly was always 
     to protect her from harm. Unfortunately, like so many other 
     parents, reality overwhelmed desire and I was unable to 
     fulfill that simple yet impossible promise. On behalf of 
     Polly and Aimee Willard and the thousands of other children 
     and families whose lives have been shattered by avoidable 
     violence I wish to thank you for authoring Aimee's Law.
       The KlaasKids Foundation enthusiastically supports the 
     amended version of HR 894, otherwise known as Aimee's Law. By 
     linking recidivist violent offenses committed in different 
     states your amendment encourages standardized policy in the 
     most powerful way possible, by reducing federal crime funds 
     for states that fail to comply.
       Thank you Mr. Salmon, for your hard work on behalf of all 
     Americans. The KlaasKids Foundation supports your effort and 
     encourages all members of the United States House of 
     Representatives to vote for Aimee's Law.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Marc Klaas.

                                  ____
                                  

                                                    April 2, 2000.
     Hon. Gray Davis, Governor of California,
     Sacramento, CA.
       Dear Governor Davis: We are writing to ask for your support 
     of legislation in Congress to close the revolving door of 
     justice that allows convicted murders, rapists and child 
     molesters to prey upon the innocent over and over again. As 
     Governor of California, you have demonstrated in both word 
     and deed your commitment to tough criminal justice policies 
     that place the protection of society first. Indeed, 
     California's criminal laws and sentencing requirements are 
     now among the toughest in the nation, to the everlasting 
     relief of its citizens.
       But more needs to be done. All too often, convicted 
     murderers, rapists, and child molesters are released from 
     prison only to victimize the innocent once again. In fact, 
     more than 14,000 murders, rapes, and sexual assaults are 
     committed each year by previously convicted murderers and sex 
     offenders. About one in eight of these completely preventable 
     crimes occurs in a state different from the one where the 
     first conviction was obtained.
       The toll on America's children is particularly high: Each 
     year, approximately 83 children are murdered, 1315 are raped, 
     and 7510 are sexually assaulted by released murderers, 
     rapists, and child molesters. How can this happen? In large 
     measure, it is because the national average time served in 
     state prison for rape is just 5\1/2\ years. For child 
     molestation, it is about 4 years. And for murder, it is just 
     8 years. As crime victims and survivors, we know all too well 
     that this is unacceptable.
       The No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child 
     Molesters Act, also know as ``Aimee's Law'', would reduce 
     this carnage by rewarding states like California that get 
     tough on these monsters who prey upon the innocent over and 
     over again. Specifically, Aimee's Law would provide 
     additional funding to states that convict a murderer, rapist, 
     or child molester, if that criminal had been previously 
     convicted of one of those same crimes in a different state. 
     The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal would 
     be deducted from the federal crime funds intended to go to 
     the first state, and instead be added to the funds sent to 
     the state that obtained the second conviction.
       For states like California that are serious about getting 
     tough on violent crime, Aimee's Law would help mitigate the 
     high cost of apprehending, prosecuting and incarcerating 
     previously convicted murderers, rapists and child molesters 
     from other states who bring their terror to the citizens of 
     California. For states with too lenient laws for these 
     predatory and highly mobile criminals, Aimee's Law would act 
     as a strong incentive for needed change.
       Aimee's Law enjoys broad bipartisan support from a variety 
     of law enforcement and victim's rights organizations 
     including the California Correctional Peace Officers 
     Association, the Klass Kids Foundation, the Doris Tate Crime 
     Victims Bureau, the National Fraternal Order of Police and 
     the California Protective Parents Association, just to name a 
     few. In fact, as an amendment to the Juvenile Justice bill, 
     it passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 412-15 
     and the United States Senate by a vote of 81-17 last Spring. 
     Both Senators Feinstein and Boxer supported Aimee's Law as 
     did 46 of the State's 52 Representatives in the House.
       Had Aimee's Law been considered as a stand alone bill it 
     surely would have been signed into law by the President 
     months ago. Unfortunately, differences over unrelated 
     provisions in the Juvenile Justice bill have prevented 
     Aimee's Law from reaching the President's desk. Clearly, 
     common sense bipartisan crime legislation like Aimee's Law 
     should not be needlessly held up because of difference over 
     totally unrelated provisions.
       It's time to pass Aimee's Law and put a stop to this easily 
     preventable carnage once and for all. With your support, we 
     can prevent thousands of innocent women and children from 
     being brutalized by a convicted murderer or sex offender.
       Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await 
     your influential endorsement, which should be faxed to the 
     office of the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Matt 
     Salmon at 202-25-3405.
           Sincerely,
     Mary Vincent,
     Marc Klaas,
     Fred Goldman.

                                  ____
                                  

                                            Southern States Police


                                 Benevolent Association, Inc.,

                                    Alexandria, VA, June 15, 1999.
     Hon. Matt Salmon,
     U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Salmon: The Southern States Police 
     Benevolent Association (SSPBA) wishes to lend its strong 
     support to the Matt Salmon, Curt Weldon and Adam Smith 
     amendment to the House Juvenile Justice Bill.
       SSPBA is composed of 17,000 federal, state, and local law 
     enforcement officers from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, 
     Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South 
     Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The association has always 
     supported tough laws to protect our society from predators.
       We believe that this bill takes preventive measures that 
     are necessary to protect our children and is a step forward 
     in terms of dealing with these very sensitive issues. If 
     adopted, this amendment can significantly reduce some of the 
     problems that plague our society.
       Congressman Salmon, the PBA commends you and the others 
     involved for introducing this important legislation and we 
     urge Congress to work swiftly for its enactment.
           Sincerely,
                                           H.G. ``Bill'' Thompson,
                                   Director, Governmental Affairs.

                                  ____
                                  

                                                Childhelp USA,

                                     Scottsdale, AZ, May 14, 1999.
     Hon. Rick Santorum,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Santorum: We applaud the amendment that you 
     are offering to the Senate Juvenile Crime Bill (S. 254). This 
     amendment, also known as Aimee's Law (S. 668, H.R. 894), 
     would encourage states to incarcerate our nation's most 
     brutal offenders--murderers, rapists, and child molesters.
       For the past 40 years, Childhelp USA has waged its own 
     campaign to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse and 
     neglect. We firmly believe that those who prey upon our 
     children should be removed from society. We are honored to 
     join our hearts and hands with you to protect the innocent, 
     especially our children.
       Thank you for helping to protect America's youth. We 
     encourage all Senators to vote for your amendment.
           Sincerely,
     Sara O'Meara,
       Chairman & CEO.
     Yvonne Fedderson,
       President.

                                  ____
                                  

                                     California Correctional Peace


                                         Officers Association,

                              West Sacramento, CA, April 16, 1999.
     Hon. Matt Salmon,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Salmon: I am writing on behalf of 28,000 
     members of the California Correctional Peace Officers 
     Association (CCPOA) to express our support for H.R. 894, ``No 
     Second Chance for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act 
     of 1999, which you reintroduced. CCPOA strongly supports this

[[Page 15253]]

     legislation because it would redirect funds from a state that 
     has released a murderer, rapist, or child molester to pay the 
     prosecution and incarcerations costs incurred by a state 
     which has had to reconvict this released felon for a similar 
     crime. By doing so, this legislation would work to keep these 
     violent felons off our streets by encouraging states to keep 
     such offenders behind bars. CCPOA appreciates your leadership 
     in this important area. Please contact our Washington, D.C. 
     representative, Shannon Lahey, at (202) 333-6924 if we can be 
     of any assistance to you in securing the passage of H.R. 894.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Mike Jimenez,
                                  Executive Vice President, CCPOA.

                                  ____
                                  

                                               Mothers Outraged at


                                  Molesters Organization Inc.,

                                   Independence, MO, June 1, 1998.
     Hon. Matt Salmon,
     Cannon Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Salmon: We at Mothers Outraged at 
     Molesters (M.O.M.s) enthusiastically endorse the ``No Second 
     Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 
     1998.'' Passage of this legislation would pressure States to 
     keep sexual offenders behind bars for longer prison terms.
       Convicted sexual offenders should not have the opportunity 
     to repeat their criminal behavior. We are aware of numerous 
     cases where convicted molesters have actually said that they 
     would re-offend if released from prison. From what we have 
     witnessed in court, the victims of sexual abuse come in all 
     ages and stations in life. The victims have been babies, nuns 
     or even an Alzheimer patient.
       It is well documented that sexual offenders have a high 
     recidivism rate. Among sexual predators, child molesters are 
     the most likely to re-offend. Some studies indicate that 
     convicted child molesters have a recidivism rate as high as 
     70-90 percent. We simply can not afford to let these people 
     out of prison to destroy additional young lives. Your bill's 
     penalty mechanism, providing that the State that releases a 
     rapist or child molester is liable for any attacks committed 
     by these criminals in other states, will spur a nationwide 
     effort to keep convicted sexual predators in state custody 
     for life with no chance of parole. By keeping the most 
     dangerous criminal element off the streets, thousands of 
     sexual assaults will be prevented each year.
       We at M.O.M.s applaud you on your effort to protect 
     innocent citizens from repeat sexual predators. Please do not 
     hesitate to call us to help you advance the ``No Second 
     Chances Bill''.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Cyrilla Bender,
                                     Founder/President of M.O.M.s.

                                  ____
                                  

               [From the Arizona Republic, June 4, 1999]

 One Less Option for Criminals--Salmon Bill Another Check on Killers, 
                                Rapists

       Rep. Matt Salmon is trying again.
       We hope he succeeds.
       This year, we hope members of Congress pass his No Second 
     Chances for Murderers, Rapists or Child Molesters Act.
       They should do it for men, women and children whose lives 
     are shattered--sometimes extinguished--by violent criminals 
     who should never have been released from prison.
       They should do it for families who will never be released 
     from the pain of wondering, ``What if I'd gone with her?'' 
     or, ``What if I'd said, `No, you can't ride your bike to the 
     store?' '' or, ``What if I'd gone home early that day?''
       Salmon's bill creates a strong financial incentive for 
     states to impose stiff sentences on violent criminals. And it 
     deftly does it without imposing federal regulations.
       It works this way: If a state releases a convicted 
     murderer, rapist or child molester whose sentence fell below 
     the national average or who served less than 85 percent of 
     his or her sentence, that state would be liable if the vermin 
     reoffended in another state.
       Money from the first state's federal anti-crime funds would 
     be diverted to pay the cost of prosecuting and incarcerating 
     the criminal in the state where the new offense was 
     committed. The bill also provides $100,000 to victims.
       ``States should now be on notice that the revolving prison 
     door for sexual predators and murderers must end,'' Salmon 
     said.
       If you doubt the need to send that message, consider these 
     frightening statistics from the Department of Justice.
        The average time served in state prisons for rape 
     is 5\1/2\ years.
        The average time served in state prisons for child 
     molesting is four years.
        The average time served in state prisons for 
     murder is eight years.
       That's not even long enough for the night marish memories 
     to begin healing. It's not long enough for the criminals to 
     worry about the consequences of doing it again.
       And they will do it again.
       Salmon's bill is also called ``Aimee's Law,'' for Aimee 
     Willard, a 22-year-old university student who was raped and 
     murdered in Pennsylvania by a killer who was paroled in 
     Nevada.
       Every year, according to Salmon's office, the kind of 
     criminals covered by this bill are released, then cross state 
     lines and kill more than 100 people, including 10 children.
       They cross state lines and rape more than 445 people, 
     including 165 children.
       They cross state lines and sexually assault more than 1,200 
     people, including 935 children.
       Congress should say, ``Enough.'' Salmon vows to push for 
     passage of his bill as part of a larger juvenile justice bill 
     or as a separate piece of legislation.
       Either way, it ought to pass.
       Either way, states ought to get the message that law-
     abiding citizens, not criminals, deserve second chances.

                                  ____
                                  

                            Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.

                                      Camdenton, MO, May 21, 1998.
     Hon. Matt Salmon,
     U.S. House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Salmon: ``All too often law enforcement 
     families are victims of America's violence!'' This is a quote 
     used on a poster Concerns of Police Survivors produced and 
     distributed several years ago. And, unfortunately, all too 
     often police families have their officers injured or killed 
     by perpetrators convicted of heinous crimes who have been 
     released early from prison to prey once again on defenseless 
     Americans.
       ``The No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child 
     Molesters Act of 1998'' would place appropriate demands on 
     state penal systems not to release violent offenders simply 
     to relieve overcrowding in the jails or because the 
     perpetrator has served a full sentence. Often, unfortunately, 
     without the public being aware, the released violent offender 
     moves to another state to ``start over''. Unfortunately, 
     ``Starting over'' often means picking up with their violent 
     behavior where it left off during their incarceration.
       As you pointed out in earlier correspondence, Ippolito 
     ``Lee'' Gonzales was violently killed in the line of duty 
     while serving with the Franklin Township Police Department in 
     New Jersey. Robert ``Mudman'' Simon had moved to New Jersey 
     following his release from a Pennsylvania prison after 
     serving 12 years for the murder of his girlfriend who refused 
     to have sex with gang members. Three months after Simon's 
     release, Officer Gonzalez was executed in cold blood during a 
     simple traffic stop. If Pennsylvania had continued to 
     incarcerate Mr. Simon, Officer Gonzales might still be 
     patrolling the streets of Franklin Township.
       After the recent observances of National Police Week 1998, 
     May 10-16, and National Victims Rights Week, April 21-27, it 
     is our hope the Congress will remember that law enforcement 
     finds itself seeking repeat offenders who have inflicted 
     their terror on newer victims. Strict sentencing and 
     continued incarceration of violent offenders will make law 
     enforcement's job easier on the streets. It will also spare 
     many Americans from experiencing violent victimization. As 
     you pointed out in earlier correspondence, last year not a 
     single murderer, rapist, or child molester in prison 
     victimized an innocent person in the community. The revolving 
     door of our weakened justice system must be strengthened by 
     tough, innovative legislation which places the burden of 
     responsibility on the appropriate individuals; the 
     perpetrator, the courts, the juries, and the penal system. 
     This bill is certainly one way States will be held 
     responsible for decision they make to allow violent offenders 
     to return to the streets that affect the safety of their 
     citizens and the safety of citizens living in other States as 
     well.
       We wish you much luck in the Congress as you take on the 
     task of attempting to pass this bill.
           Sincerely yours,
                                                     Suzie Sawyer,
                                               Executive Director.

                                  ____
                                  

                [From the Daily Journal, March 4, 1999]

                           No Second Chances

       Mika Moulton, the mother of Christopher Meyer, is pushing 
     for a law called ``No Second Chances.''
       No Second Chances would essentially bar each of the 
     nation's 50 states from granting early releases to murderers, 
     rapists and child molesters. It means that a murderer 
     sentenced to life would serve life, essentially ending all 
     hope of parole.
       If a state does release a killer who goes on to strike 
     again, he or she would have to pay all the costs of the 
     second prosecution, no matter in what state it occurs. They 
     would also have to pay $100,000 to the victim's family.
       The law would, of course, mean a massive new prison 
     construction program. The Federal Justice Department 
     estimates that there are 134,000 sex offenders out on 
     probation or parole. Our own Kankakee County list of 
     convicted offenders tops 100.
       Much is always made of the cost of building prisons and 
     pushing prosecutions.
       What Ms. Moulton is trying to call to our attention is the 
     cost of not keeping people in prison. Sometimes that cost is 
     another rape. Sometimes it's a dead child. The Justice 
     Department says released murderers commit 100 killings a 
     year. Released rapists commit 445 new rapes a year.
       Those costs need to be weighted, too.

[[Page 15254]]

       It's hard to argue that someone who kills a child deserves 
     a second chance.
       Pass the law.

                                  ____
                                  

            [From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 23, 1999]

                              Aimee's Law

       Last summer in this space we supported a measure introduced 
     by Arizona Congressman Matt Salmon to hold states liable if 
     their released sex offenders committed subsequent crimes in 
     other states [``No Second Chances,'' August 12].
       ``Aimee's Law''--in memory of college student Aimee Willard 
     who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered near Philadelphia by a 
     brute paroled by Nevada--strikes a commendable balance. It 
     creates an incentive for states to monitor predators more 
     closely instead of merely chasing them out of town, while not 
     federalizing crimes that ought to remain under local 
     jurisdiction.
       Last week the Senate passed the measure as an amendment to 
     a larger crime bill. Similar legislation is pending in the 
     House, and it ought to be approved as well. Giving a one-way 
     bus ticket to a sex offender might improve the community he 
     leaves, but it is the equivalent of shipping toxic waste to 
     unsuspecting states.
       ``Aimee's Law'' would make states bear the costs of such a 
     repugnant practice. It is good legislation the House should 
     pass and the President should sign into law.
                                  ____


             [From the Tampa Tribune-Times, Aug. 16, 1998]

``No Second Chances'' Bill Deserves Careful Congressional Consideration

       Lawrence Singleton should have died lonely and despised in 
     a California prison. Instead, the infamous criminal who 
     hacked off the arms of a teenage girl after raping her walked 
     out of his cell and returned to make his home in Florida.
       It wasn't long before he was under arrest again, this time 
     for murder.
       Singleton is sentenced to die in Florida's electric chair, 
     but he's an old man in failing health who still has appeals 
     to exhaust. As a prisoner, he costs taxpayers $26,000 a year. 
     We taxpayers are paying for his legal costs.
       Under a Federal bill making its way through the House of 
     Representatives, the state of California, which let Singleton 
     out of jail, would have to pay Florida's expenses. It also 
     would have to compensate, to the tune of $100,000, the family 
     of Tampa murder victim Roxanne Hayes.
       The bill, called No Second Chances for murderers, rapists 
     or child molesters, deserves a fair hearing.
       It attacks a national crime problem without costing more 
     federal money. It alerts states that they will assume a 
     financial risk when they release their most violent criminals 
     back into society. It does not federalize crimes or infringe 
     on state and local responsibilities for law enforcement.
       At the same time, the bill merits careful scrutiny.
       It was written to prod states into drafting laws that would 
     not allow violent sex offenders and murderers to go free. If 
     states don't decide to put those criminals in jail for life, 
     then they risk a financial penalty for giving their prisoners 
     ``a second chance.'' And some prisoners, unlike Singleton, 
     deserve a second chance--after they have paid their debt to 
     society in full.
       That's the crux of the problem. Prisoners locked up for 
     despicable offenses are going to get out of jail, and many of 
     them will not have served enough time for their crime. U.S. 
     Rep. Matt Salmon's proposal would force states to put them 
     away forever or pay the price.
       The Arizona Republican has the support of parents of murder 
     victims, including Fred Goldman, whose son Ron was killed 
     with Nicole Brown Simpson, and Marc Klaas, whose daughter 
     Polly was murdered by a repeat offender in California.
       Whether we like it or not, released criminals roam from 
     state to state. States have no recourse to prevent this 
     immigration, even though one in seven repeat crimes occurs in 
     a different state from the original offense.
       Each year, according to Department of Justice studies, 
     released killers drifting from one part of the country to 
     another murder more than 100 people. Each year rapists cross 
     state lines and claim 445 new victims. Each year these 
     criminals cross state lines and sexually assault more than 
     1,200 people, including 935 children.
       (And we don't have to remind you of the many bad actors who 
     wend their way to the Sunshine State when winter looms.)
       Critics of the proposal say the recidivism rate for these 
     most heinous crimes is low, but some studies suggest these 
     offenses are repeated more often than not. The critics 
     complain that state laws already allow judges to put repeat 
     offenders away for life, but those arguments do not address 
     the victimization of innocent people or the victimized 
     state's ability to pay for its prisoners.
       Specifically, the proposal would require the Justice 
     Department to transfer federal crime-fighting dollars from 
     one state to another to pay for the costs of reincarceration 
     as a repeat offender.
       Half of the amounts transferred would be deposited in the 
     state's crime victims' fund, and half would be deposited in 
     the state account that collects federal law enforcement 
     funds. Additionally, the proposal would provide $100,000 to 
     the victims of the subsequent attack.
       Interestingly, the bill mandates nothing. The states are 
     required to do nothing. But a state would run the risk of 
     losing federal crime-fighting funds if it let a killer or 
     child molester out of jail and then that convict committed a 
     crime again.
       The proposition raises other issues. If a state decides to 
     make life prisoners of these criminals, it has to have a 
     place to house them. The state must also have a parole or 
     probation system to judge accurately when to release 
     prisoners.
       Lawmakers considering the bill must also figure out how to 
     handle those prisoners who have served their time. States 
     have no authority to detain someone who has served his 
     sentence and should not be penalized for future crimes in 
     other states.
       There are no simple answers to this vexing problem, but 
     Salmon's approach would at least force a state to face the 
     consequences of its decision. The Goldmans and Klaases of the 
     world will not remain silent, and they have thrown their 
     considerable celebrity behind this effort.
       The proposal bears watching--and talking about--as the 
     measure makes its way through Congress.

                                  ____
                                  

        [From the Delaware County Sunday Times, March 26, 2000]

                Time for the House to Enact Aimee's Law

       The brutal and senseless murder of Aimee Willard in June 
     1996 touched the very heart of Delaware County. A vivacious 
     college student and athlete with a bright future was lost and 
     we hurt for her family and friends.
       But with the conviction and sentencing of her killer, the 
     book did not close on this terrible chapter in county 
     history. Aimee Willard lives on with the crafting of 
     legislation aimed at preventing a tragedy such as the one 
     that befell her.
       This week the U.S. House of Representatives will consider 
     ``Aimee's Law.''
       Labeled as a bipartisan effort, the law turns up the heat 
     on states to impose stronger sentences for criminals 
     convicted of rape, murder and child molestation.
       Gail Willard, Aimee's mother, testified at a Congressional 
     hearing last year, urging stiffer state sentencing guidelines 
     for career criminals such as Arthur Bomar.
       Bomar had been convicted of killing a man in Nevada over a 
     parking spot. He served 11 years in jail in Nevada before 
     being paroled, despite showing a propensity for violence in 
     prison.
       ``Right now, life criminals are running the system,'' said 
     Gail Willard during her testimony in Washington.
       U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon says the early release of violent 
     felons is plain wrong.
       ``The average time served in a state prison for rape is 
     just 5\1/2\ years,'' Weldon said. ``For child molestation, it 
     is about four years. And for murder, it is just eight years. 
     That's absolutely unacceptable.''
       Aimee's Law requires a state that releases a convicted 
     murderer, rapist or child molester who goes on to commit 
     another crime in another state to compensate the second state 
     for the cost of apprehending, prosecuting and incarcerating 
     the criminal.
       The money loss would come in the form of withholding 
     federal crime grants from the first state and adding the 
     amount to the second state's share, according to one of the 
     law's sponsors, U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz.
       Whether the financial stick and carrot will work remains to 
     be seen, but several questions remain:
       Will the threat of grant money loss make parole boards more 
     accountable--or at least look with a little more scrutiny at 
     who is being allowed to walk out the front gate?
       Why must the taxpayers foot the bill for screw-ups in the 
     state prison system?
       Should we keep building prisons and ignoring the issue of 
     rehabilitation?
       Despite those concerns, we see the consideration of 
     ``Aimee's Law'' as a step in the right direction as it puts a 
     victim's face on the problem of repeat violent offenders and 
     the need to place responsibility on the shoulders of our 
     state prisons.

     

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