Laws named after Child Victims

With the recent signing of “Chelsea’s law” by Governor Schwarzenegger, the intent of the law would be that crimes against children will carry a heavier weight. The signing of this law comes after the tragic death of 17-year-old Chelsea King who was ravaged and killed by a sex-offender right here in California. The purpose of this law would be a lifetime sentence in a prison. One finds the timing of the signing of the bill skeptical as if committing this penance will make the citizens of California forget about the unsigned budget and put the one-time actor back in our good graces somehow. The signing of this law is a last ditch effort to show that he is doing the job in which he was elected. He must have amnesia or at least be in a state of delusion to believe this is an original idea.

                Apparently, no one told him about “Megan’s law” who met a similar fate as Chelsea King; the only difference between the two cases were that Megan was a seven-year-old whose parents have to live with the fact they never knew they were living across the street from someone who was an unknown sex offender. Although nothing can bring the child back to life; her life served a purpose. In the wake of their daughter’s passing, the Kankas worked tirelessly alongside lawmakers to make sure no other families would have to endure what they had. The law which was passed in 2004, states: that it must be public knowledge and the person must register as a sex offender in whichever town they choose to reside. If they elect not to do as the law requires; the citizen can call the police.  If there’s any possibility that they might be a danger to you and/or family; all one needs is a computer.

                Another case not as widely covered by the media is “Bryan’s law, he disappeared in the spring of 1997 from Roger College, the young man’s partial remains were discovered six months later. The agony of waiting must have eaten at them every day. One hopes they were finally able to be at peace when the remains were found. Because of the fact he disappeared while in the trusted arms of the school, there was an amendment to The Higher Education Act of 1965; which mandates a parent be notified upon notification of a missing student, the authority has 24 hours to verify the student is safe before being required to notify parents. (Federal, enacted 2/10/00)

                 The “Amy Robinson” Memorial Act” which is truly a horrible possibility for people with disabilities, Amy suffered from a mental hardship. She was abducted and murdered by her co-workers. The act that bears her name states: Employers provide written notice to parents or legal guardians who have children under 18 or dependents with mental or physical handicaps that their child is working with a person convicted of a violent crime. (Federal, introduced May, 2001)

                Michael Minger Act Named for Murray State University student killed in an arson fire in his residence hall. Requires state higher education institutions to submit reports about crimes within 24 hours. Expands campus crime reporting requirements to include arson. (Kentucky, enacted 3/28/00

            There are many more cases like the ones I have displayed above, you can find more at: http;tressalove.com\2007061968\ the only thing I am asking Arnold to do is not to use the King case to bluster your political career.  It’s just going to cause more pain, you want another term; show the people who you are. Don’t hang on the coattails of a family tragedy.