Megan’s Law
Megan Nicole Kanka was a 7 year old girl that was lured into her neighbor’s home on July 29, 1994. A puppy was offered and Megan went into the home where she was brutally raped and murdered by a two-time convicted sex offender. This man had been convicted, in 1981, for attacking a 5 year-old and for attempting to sexually assault a 7 year-old. New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd-Whitman, signed the first state-level version of Megan’s Law 89 days after her disappearance. This state-level version led to a federal law named Megan’s Law in 1996.
The federal version of Megan’s Law requires all 50 states to release information to the public about convicted sex offenders when it is necessary for the public’s safety. Although the release of information is required, it does not require states to notify people of a potential risk. New Jersey’s Megan’s Law requires active community notification to schools and community groups if a sex offender could be a possible risk.
Parents are often confused about Megan’s Law. Many parents have heard about New Jersey’s version and assume they will be notified if a sex offender or predator moves into their area. This is false; the federal Megan’s law only requires that information be released to the people. Therefore, you are responsible for finding the information yourself. You can use the Registered Offenders List to find the sexual offenders in your area.
