211 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 10 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
OpEdNews Op Eds   

Passing Pennsylvania House Bill 166 Which prohibits eligibility of violator's of sexual offender registration from re

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   No comments
Message Anna Jorge

The purpose of House Bill 166 is to prohibit the eligibility of violator's of sexual offender registration from receiving public assistance. Failure to register (FTR) has been an issue existing over time, and this bill seeks to increase the number of offenders that do register. Public assistance should certainly be available to the sexual offender population, and HB166 ideally seeks to improve the conditions in the offender's life by ensuring aid. Simply by registering, offenders will have made the choice to follow a law and receive benefits that will ultimately, positively impact their lives through providing basic needs that are difficult to achieve independently. Bill 166 does not require an extensive amount of extra work, as offenders are already required by Megan's law to register. The proposed bill simply uses public assistance as an incentive to ensure offenders comply with an already existing law.

This bill should be passed, with one issue to note. Due to stringent limitations on where sexual offenders can live, it can be difficult for them to find a permanent place to call home. Many states have restrictions, often set in distances, which prevent offenders from residing near schools, day care centers, or playgrounds. These restrictions, combined with the restrictions set forth by the individual's state parole and probation officers, present a unique challenge. Offender's must follow the Megan's Law requirements and get their potential residence approved by their parole or probation agent. Despite these difficulties, sexual offenders are still required by law to register and HB166 will hold them accountable to do this, if they want to receive aid.

Pennsylvania House Bill 166 would be beneficial for all members of society. Not only would it encourage registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania to remain compliant with Megan's Law registration, it would also open up public assistance to other non-offending citizens if non-compliance occurred. This bill is relatively easy to implement and does not stigmatize offenders in a negative way.

Rate It | View Ratings

Anna Jorge Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida Graduate school student with Edinboro University studying Social Work

Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Passing Pennsylvania House Bill 166 Which prohibits eligibility of violator's of sexual offender registration from re

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend