August 31, 2005
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today commended state lawmakers for passing her legislative package that will deny convicted sex offenders access to Michigan’s children no matter where they are. The Governor first called for the legislation in a letter to lawmakers in early May.
“Michigan will not rest until we have done everything we can to keep the ‘bad guys’ away from our children,” Granholm said. “This legislation will ensure that our children are safe in child care facilities, camps, schools, and while participating in extracurricular activities.”
In her May letter, the Governor asked lawmakers to:
• establish “Predator Free Zones” – similar to existing drug-free zones – prohibiting convicted sex offenders from being within 1,000 feet of schools;
• create a “Protect Our Children Act” to require entities, such as schools and day care centers, to complete background checks on all employees and volunteers to make certain sex offenders are denied access to our children;
• as part of a “Protect Our Children Act,” prohibit anyone on the Sex Offender Registry from working or volunteering at locations such as child day care centers, schools, playgrounds, and youth leagues/organizations under the threat of a felony;
• enact a lifetime ban on teachers who are convicted sex offenders, keeping them out of the classroom and away from our children.
This morning, the Senate passed a number of bills implementing these provisions. The House is expected to take similar action this afternoon.
The Governor’s letter also included a request for changes in the rules of evidence to allow prior child molestation or sexual assault to be considered. Legislation to make that change remains in committee.
“Our children’s safety cannot be compromised,” Granholm said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s diligence in sending to my desk tough legislation that will ensure the safety of our children.”
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