Iowa House of

Representatives

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                 For More Information:

Wednesday, March 30, 2005                                                   Rep. Reichert, 515-281-3221

 

 

REICHERT: SEX OFFENDERS BEWARE

 

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Nathan Reichert was pleased today that the Iowa House of Representatives took quick action on a bill to keep Iowa children safe from registered sex offenders.

 

“This sends a message to sex offenders that if they re-offend, they will suffer severe consequences.  The safety of Iowa’s children and families is of utmost importance, and we will not tolerate sexual predators in our communities,” Reichert said.

 

 “Iowans need to have all the information they can to keep their families safe and that is why it is essential the we make sure the Sex Offender Registry contains photos and current addresses of offenders.  The State of Iowa also needs to make sure that offenders released back into communities have proper supervision,” Reichert said.

 

House File 619 creates a task force to make sure Iowa’s Sex Offender Registry has the most up to date information.  The bill also increases penalties for sex offenders who don’t follow offender registry requirements for changes of address and closes several loopholes that allow sex offenders to be released from prison without supervision.  Another provision requires sex offenders to submit a specimen and be listed on a statewide DNA database.

 

“This is simply the first step in strengthen protection for Iowa families,” said Reichert. “We have to provide the resources necessary to ensure an up-to-date registry and provide proper supervision for sex offenders.  I will work to make sure that the state provides the resources to finish the job.”

 

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(515) 281-3221