The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“AIMEE'S LAW” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1259-E1263 on July 18, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
AIMEE'S LAW
______
speech of
HON. MATT SALMON
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 11, 2000
Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, the amended version of H.R. 894, which we are considering today does not include the section in the original bill that provided compensation to the victims of the crimes covered under this bill. This section, which would have transferred $100,000 to each victim of these crimes, was removed from the legislation over a year ago. In fact, the version of Aimee's Law that the House passed by a vote of 412 to 15 on June 16, 1999, as an amendment to the Juvenile Crime Bill (H.R. 1501), also did not contain the $100,000 transfer section. Although I believe strongly that victims of recidivist crime deserve compensation, out of deference to Members who raised concerns that this could complicate the administration of the act, the section was removed. Additionally, the comments provided by the Department of Justice [DOJ] on the transfer section apply to Aimee's Law as introduced, not the current version, and should also be discarded.
The amended version of H.R. 894 simply provides additional funding to states that convict a murderer, rapist, or child molester, if that criminal had previously been convicted of one of those same crimes in a different state. The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal would be deducted from the Federal crime assistance funds intended to go to the first state, and instead be given to the second state that obtained the conviction. This is fair. Most would agree that a state that releases a violent predator who commits another murder, rape or sex offense in another state should be held responsible for their actions.
As to the administration of Aimee's Law, if you can operate a calculator, you can perform the calculations required to implement the bill. DOJ conducts far more complicated calculations than those required under H.R. 894. Smartly, the bill provides DOJ with maximum flexibility in administering the act. DOJ may use different sources of Federal assistance to implement the transfer provision of the act. The burden on the states is minimal. The act requires DOJ to consult with the chief executive of the state affected to establish a payment schedule. In any event, states should seize the initiative and respond to this law by keeping dangerous rapists, murderers, and child molesters behind bars until they are no longer a threat to society.
Mr. Speaker, I submit the following endorsements and editorials for the Congressional Record.
Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order
of Police ,
Washington, DC, July 10, 2000.Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing this letter to advise you of the strong support of the more than 290,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police for H.R. 894, ``Aimee's Law: No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists or Child Molesters Act,'' which we understand will be brought to the House floor tomorrow under suspension of the rules.
The F.O.P. has been working closely with the bill's sponsor, Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ), for several years now. The legislation passed the House as an amendment to H.R. 1501, the ``Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act of 1999,'' by a 412-15 vote and passed the Senate as an amendment to S. 254, the ``Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act'' by an 81-17 vote. Clearly, this is a bill for which there is broad bipartisan agreement.
This bill as amended will provide additional funding to States that convict a murderer, rapist or child molester, if that criminal had previously been convicted of one of those crimes in a different State. The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal would be deducted from Federal crime funds received by the first State and instead be sent to the State that obtained the second conviction. If criminals are convicted in a ``truth-in-sentencing'' State and the criminal served at least eighty-five (85%) percent of his or her sentence, then there would be no transfer of funds.
Criminals who get locked up and stay locked up no longer pose any danger or threat to public safety. Recidivist rates for murderers, rapists and child molesters are high--but the cost to the victims and the communities they terrorize is higher still. Congressman Salmon's bill takes the right step by encouraging States to employ the death penalty where available and appropriate, or at least keep our most heinous criminals behind bars for the rest of their lives.
One of the most frustrating aspects of law enforcement is seeing the guilty go free and, once free, commit another heinous crime. Lives can be saved and tragedies averted if we have the will to keep these predators locked up. Congressman Salmon's bill addresses this issue smartly, without Federalizing crimes and without infringing on the State and local responsibilities of local law enforcement by providing accountability and responsibility to States who release their murderers, rapists, and child molesters to prey again on the innocent.
On behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police, I urge the House to again adopt this bill and send it to the Senate. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me, or Executive Director Jim Pasco, at my Washington office, (202) 547-8189.
Sincerely,
Gilbert G. Gallegos,
National President.
____
From the Desk of Fred Goldman
I am pleased to lend my continued support of Matt Salmon's bill ``HR 894''--Aimees Law. I strongly urge quick passage of
``No second chances for murders, rapists, and child molesters.''
Violent crime has become part of our way of life in this nation. Every second of every day, a violent criminal strikes somewhere in our country. A violent crime is committed every 19 seconds. A girl or woman is raped--every 70 seconds. A child is molested--also every 70 seconds. And a child or adult is murdered--every 28 minutes. We are a nation besieged with violence.
Since the introduction of this bill in July of 1998, as an amendment to the Juvenile Crime Bill, approximately 825,000 women or girls have been raped--and an equal number, 825,000 children have been sexually molested--and more than 36,000 people have been murdered.
Less than 3% of our total population commit 100% of this violence. These people recommit their horrible crimes over, and over again--because we let them. The average time served in prison for rape--5 years, the average time served for molesting a child--less than 4 years, and the average time served for committing murder--7\1/2\ years. And then, these monsters are released, and out recommitting these same crimes again. Because we let them! We are a nation that continues to put violent felons back on the street, knowing full well, that they will rape, molest and murder again.
There are no accurate records maintained as to where violent felons go after their release from prison. Good common sense, however, tells us that many of these monsters will travel to different states and recommit their heinous acts--again.
Rapists don't stop raping, child molesters don't stop molesting, and murders don't stop murdering--just because they move to a new state. To take the chance that they might, is too big a risk. One more victim, is one to many.
Encouraging States, through the passage of this bill, to get tough on violent criminals and keep them behind bars for at least 85% of their sentence is the only smart thing to do. A released violent felon is a new violent crime just waiting to happen. The longer these people are kept in prison, the safer the rest of us will be.
Every step must be taken, no matter how small, to insure the safety of the citizens of this country. If the passage of this bill prevents only one woman from being raped, only one child from being molested--or, only one murder from being committed then each and every legislator can feel proud.
Don't wait until your loved one is a victim of violent crime. I can assure you, that is a nightmare you don't want to experience. Any delay in the passage of ``HR 894'' is unacceptable. Remember--lives are at stake.
____
Bruce and Janice Grieshaber,
Camillus, NY, July 8, 2000.To: Congressman Matt Salmon.From: Bruce and Janice Grieshaber.Re: HR 894--Aimee's Law.
Our daughter, Jenna, was murdered on November 6, 1997, by a paroled violent felon. Her death deeply impacted two large communities in New York--Albany, where she was killed, and Syracuse, her hometown. Both communities rallied to force passage of legislation in New York that effectively eliminates parole for all violent felons and creates up to five years of post-release supervision. This legislation was dubbed ``Jenna's Law'' by Governor George Pataki. This law will, according to the Rand Corporation, eliminate over 200,000 violent felonies in the next 15 years.
Our family has been through the police knocking at our door at 2:00 am to tell us our daughter has been murdered. We have sat in a police station, not 20 feet from her killer, being told that he was out on ``mandatory release'' parole. We have felt the utter confusion as to why the system had to free this animal even though he had 19 counts of illegal behavior in prison. We still anguish with the utter senselessness of a system that would put this violent creature back on the streets to injure, maim and kill. We now work with other victims, some of whom have lost a loved one who has been paroled in one state to move to and kill in another.
There is nothing in this world that can adequately describe the loss of a child. That they were senselessly murdered deepens the feeling. That they were senselessly murdered by someone who should have still been in prison creates a mind-numbing confusion that is completely inexplicable.
We totally support a law that would force states to reduce options for, or eliminate parole for violent felons. We think the 30,000 good people from every congressional district of New York State who signed petitions supporting Jenna's Law would do so for Aimee's Law. We implore the House of Representatives and Senate to listen to the people who have become victims and truly want an end to the horror that could befall any household in America. Please, please, pass HR 894.
____
Klaas Kids Foundation,
Sausalito, CA, July 7, 2000.Representative Matt Salmon,U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.Re: Aimee's Law
Dear Representative Salmon: My promise to Polly was always to protect her from harm. Unfortunately, like so many other parents, reality overwhelmed desire and I was unable to fulfill that simple yet impossible promise. On behalf of Polly and Aimee Willard and the thousands of other children and families whose lives have been shattered by avoidable violence I wish to thank you for authoring Aimee's Law.
The KlaasKids Foundation enthusiastically supports the amended version of HR 894, otherwise known as Aimee's Law. By linking recidivist violent offenses committed in different states your amendment encourages standardized policy in the most powerful way possible, by reducing federal crime funds for states that fail to comply.
Thank you Mr. Salmon, for your hard work on behalf of all Americans. The KlaasKids Foundation supports your effort and encourages all members of the United States House of Representatives to vote for Aimee's Law.
Sincerely,
Marc Klaas.
____
April 2, 2000.Hon. Gray Davis, Governor of California,Sacramento, CA.
Dear Governor Davis: We are writing to ask for your support of legislation in Congress to close the revolving door of justice that allows convicted murders, rapists and child molesters to prey upon the innocent over and over again. As Governor of California, you have demonstrated in both word and deed your commitment to tough criminal justice policies that place the protection of society first. Indeed, California's criminal laws and sentencing requirements are now among the toughest in the nation, to the everlasting relief of its citizens.
But more needs to be done. All too often, convicted murderers, rapists, and child molesters are released from prison only to victimize the innocent once again. In fact, more than 14,000 murders, rapes, and sexual assaults are committed each year by previously convicted murderers and sex offenders. About one in eight of these completely preventable crimes occurs in a state different from the one where the first conviction was obtained.
The toll on America's children is particularly high: Each year, approximately 83 children are murdered, 1315 are raped, and 7510 are sexually assaulted by released murderers, rapists, and child molesters. How can this happen? In large measure, it is because the national average time served in state prison for rape is just 5\1/2\ years. For child molestation, it is about 4 years. And for murder, it is just 8 years. As crime victims and survivors, we know all too well that this is unacceptable.
The No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act, also know as ``Aimee's Law'', would reduce this carnage by rewarding states like California that get tough on these monsters who prey upon the innocent over and over again. Specifically, Aimee's Law would provide additional funding to states that convict a murderer, rapist, or child molester, if that criminal had been previously convicted of one of those same crimes in a different state. The cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal would be deducted from the federal crime funds intended to go to the first state, and instead be added to the funds sent to the state that obtained the second conviction.
For states like California that are serious about getting tough on violent crime, Aimee's Law would help mitigate the high cost of apprehending, prosecuting and incarcerating previously convicted murderers, rapists and child molesters from other states who bring their terror to the citizens of California. For states with too lenient laws for these predatory and highly mobile criminals, Aimee's Law would act as a strong incentive for needed change.
Aimee's Law enjoys broad bipartisan support from a variety of law enforcement and victim's rights organizations including the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the Klass Kids Foundation, the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau, the National Fraternal Order of Police and the California Protective Parents Association, just to name a few. In fact, as an amendment to the Juvenile Justice bill, it passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 412-15 and the United States Senate by a vote of 81-17 last Spring. Both Senators Feinstein and Boxer supported Aimee's Law as did 46 of the State's 52 Representatives in the House.
Had Aimee's Law been considered as a stand alone bill it surely would have been signed into law by the President months ago. Unfortunately, differences over unrelated provisions in the Juvenile Justice bill have prevented Aimee's Law from reaching the President's desk. Clearly, common sense bipartisan crime legislation like Aimee's Law should not be needlessly held up because of difference over totally unrelated provisions.
It's time to pass Aimee's Law and put a stop to this easily preventable carnage once and for all. With your support, we can prevent thousands of innocent women and children from being brutalized by a convicted murderer or sex offender.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await your influential endorsement, which should be faxed to the office of the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Matt Salmon at 202-25-3405.
Sincerely,Mary Vincent,Marc Klaas,Fred Goldman.
____
Southern States Police
Benevolent Association, Inc.,
Alexandria, VA, June 15, 1999.Hon. Matt Salmon,U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Salmon: The Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA) wishes to lend its strong support to the Matt Salmon, Curt Weldon and Adam Smith amendment to the House Juvenile Justice Bill.
SSPBA is composed of 17,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The association has always supported tough laws to protect our society from predators.
We believe that this bill takes preventive measures that are necessary to protect our children and is a step forward in terms of dealing with these very sensitive issues. If adopted, this amendment can significantly reduce some of the problems that plague our society.
Congressman Salmon, the PBA commends you and the others involved for introducing this important legislation and we urge Congress to work swiftly for its enactment.
Sincerely,
H.G. ``Bill'' Thompson,
Director, Governmental Affairs.
____
Childhelp USA,
Scottsdale, AZ, May 14, 1999.Hon. Rick Santorum,U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Santorum: We applaud the amendment that you are offering to the Senate Juvenile Crime Bill (S. 254). This amendment, also known as Aimee's Law (S. 668, H.R. 894), would encourage states to incarcerate our nation's most brutal offenders--murderers, rapists, and child molesters.
For the past 40 years, Childhelp USA has waged its own campaign to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse and neglect. We firmly believe that those who prey upon our children should be removed from society. We are honored to join our hearts and hands with you to protect the innocent, especially our children.
Thank you for helping to protect America's youth. We encourage all Senators to vote for your amendment.
Sincerely,Sara O'Meara,
Chairman & CEO.Yvonne Fedderson,
President.
____
California Correctional Peace
Officers Association,
West Sacramento, CA, April 16, 1999.Hon. Matt Salmon,Washington, DC.
Dear Congressman Salmon: I am writing on behalf of 28,000 members of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) to express our support for H.R. 894, ``No Second Chance for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1999, which you reintroduced. CCPOA strongly supports this legislation because it would redirect funds from a state that has released a murderer, rapist, or child molester to pay the prosecution and incarcerations costs incurred by a state which has had to reconvict this released felon for a similar crime. By doing so, this legislation would work to keep these violent felons off our streets by encouraging states to keep such offenders behind bars. CCPOA appreciates your leadership in this important area. Please contact our Washington, D.C. representative, Shannon Lahey, at (202) 333-6924 if we can be of any assistance to you in securing the passage of H.R. 894.
Sincerely,
Mike Jimenez,
Executive Vice President, CCPOA.
____
Mothers Outraged at
Molesters Organization Inc.,
Independence, MO, June 1, 1998.Hon. Matt Salmon,Cannon Building,Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Salmon: We at Mothers Outraged at Molesters (M.O.M.s) enthusiastically endorse the ``No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1998.'' Passage of this legislation would pressure States to keep sexual offenders behind bars for longer prison terms.
Convicted sexual offenders should not have the opportunity to repeat their criminal behavior. We are aware of numerous cases where convicted molesters have actually said that they would re-offend if released from prison. From what we have witnessed in court, the victims of sexual abuse come in all ages and stations in life. The victims have been babies, nuns or even an Alzheimer patient.
It is well documented that sexual offenders have a high recidivism rate. Among sexual predators, child molesters are the most likely to re-offend. Some studies indicate that convicted child molesters have a recidivism rate as high as 70-90 percent. We simply can not afford to let these people out of prison to destroy additional young lives. Your bill's penalty mechanism, providing that the State that releases a rapist or child molester is liable for any attacks committed by these criminals in other states, will spur a nationwide effort to keep convicted sexual predators in state custody for life with no chance of parole. By keeping the most dangerous criminal element off the streets, thousands of sexual assaults will be prevented each year.
We at M.O.M.s applaud you on your effort to protect innocent citizens from repeat sexual predators. Please do not hesitate to call us to help you advance the ``No Second Chances Bill''
Sincerely,
Cyrilla Bender,
Founder/President of M.O.M.s.
____
One Less Option for Criminals--Salmon Bill Another Check on Killers,
Rapists
Rep. Matt Salmon is trying again.
We hope he succeeds.
This year, we hope members of Congress pass his No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists or Child Molesters Act.
They should do it for men, women and children whose lives are shattered--sometimes extinguished--by violent criminals who should never have been released from prison.
They should do it for families who will never be released from the pain of wondering, ``What if I'd gone with her?'' or, ``What if I'd said, `No, you can't ride your bike to the store?' '' or, ``What if I'd gone home early that day?''
Salmon's bill creates a strong financial incentive for states to impose stiff sentences on violent criminals. And it deftly does it without imposing federal regulations.
It works this way: If a state releases a convicted murderer, rapist or child molester whose sentence fell below the national average or who served less than 85 percent of his or her sentence, that state would be liable if the vermin reoffended in another state.
Money from the first state's federal anti-crime funds would be diverted to pay the cost of prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal in the state where the new offense was committed. The bill also provides $100,000 to victims.
``States should now be on notice that the revolving prison door for sexual predators and murderers must end,'' Salmon said.
If you doubt the need to send that message, consider these frightening statistics from the Department of Justice.
The average time served in state prisons for rape is 5\1/2\ years.
The average time served in state prisons for child molesting is four years.
The average time served in state prisons for murder is eight years.
That's not even long enough for the night marish memories to begin healing. It's not long enough for the criminals to worry about the consequences of doing it again.
And they will do it again.
Salmon's bill is also called ``Aimee's Law,'' for Aimee Willard, a 22-year-old university student who was raped and murdered in Pennsylvania by a killer who was paroled in Nevada.
Every year, according to Salmon's office, the kind of criminals covered by this bill are released, then cross state lines and kill more than 100 people, including 10 children.
They cross state lines and rape more than 445 people, including 165 children.
They cross state lines and sexually assault more than 1,200 people, including 935 children.
Congress should say, ``Enough.'' Salmon vows to push for passage of his bill as part of a larger juvenile justice bill or as a separate piece of legislation.
Either way, it ought to pass.
Either way, states ought to get the message that law-abiding citizens, not criminals, deserve second chances.
____
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.
Camdenton, MO, May 21, 1998.Hon. Matt Salmon,U.S. House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC.
Dear Congressman Salmon: ``All too often law enforcement families are victims of America's violence!'' This is a quote used on a poster Concerns of Police Survivors produced and distributed several years ago. And, unfortunately, all too often police families have their officers injured or killed by perpetrators convicted of heinous crimes who have been released early from prison to prey once again on defenseless Americans.
``The No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1998'' would place appropriate demands on state penal systems not to release violent offenders simply to relieve overcrowding in the jails or because the perpetrator has served a full sentence. Often, unfortunately, without the public being aware, the released violent offender moves to another state to ``start over''. Unfortunately,
``Starting over'' often means picking up with their violent behavior where it left off during their incarceration.
As you pointed out in earlier correspondence, Ippolito
``Lee'' Gonzales was violently killed in the line of duty while serving with the Franklin Township Police Department in New Jersey. Robert ``Mudman'' Simon had moved to New Jersey following his release from a Pennsylvania prison after serving 12 years for the murder of his girlfriend who refused to have sex with gang members. Three months after Simon's release, Officer Gonzalez was executed in cold blood during a simple traffic stop. If Pennsylvania had continued to incarcerate Mr. Simon, Officer Gonzales might still be patrolling the streets of Franklin Township.
After the recent observances of National Police Week 1998, May 10-16, and National Victims Rights Week, April 21-27, it is our hope the Congress will remember that law enforcement finds itself seeking repeat offenders who have inflicted their terror on newer victims. Strict sentencing and continued incarceration of violent offenders will make law enforcement's job easier on the streets. It will also spare many Americans from experiencing violent victimization. As you pointed out in earlier correspondence, last year not a single murderer, rapist, or child molester in prison victimized an innocent person in the community. The revolving door of our weakened justice system must be strengthened by tough, innovative legislation which places the burden of responsibility on the appropriate individuals; the perpetrator, the courts, the juries, and the penal system. This bill is certainly one way States will be held responsible for decision they make to allow violent offenders to return to the streets that affect the safety of their citizens and the safety of citizens living in other States as well.
We wish you much luck in the Congress as you take on the task of attempting to pass this bill.
Sincerely yours,
Suzie Sawyer,
Executive Director.
____
No Second Chances
Mika Moulton, the mother of Christopher Meyer, is pushing for a law called ``No Second Chances.''
No Second Chances would essentially bar each of the nation's 50 states from granting early releases to murderers, rapists and child molesters. It means that a murderer sentenced to life would serve life, essentially ending all hope of parole.
If a state does release a killer who goes on to strike again, he or she would have to pay all the costs of the second prosecution, no matter in what state it occurs. They would also have to pay $100,000 to the victim's family.
The law would, of course, mean a massive new prison construction program. The Federal Justice Department estimates that there are 134,000 sex offenders out on probation or parole. Our own Kankakee County list of convicted offenders tops 100.
Much is always made of the cost of building prisons and pushing prosecutions.
What Ms. Moulton is trying to call to our attention is the cost of not keeping people in prison. Sometimes that cost is another rape. Sometimes it's a dead child. The Justice Department says released murderers commit 100 killings a year. Released rapists commit 445 new rapes a year.
Those costs need to be weighted, too.
It's hard to argue that someone who kills a child deserves a second chance.
Pass the law.
____
Aimee's Law
Last summer in this space we supported a measure introduced by Arizona Congressman Matt Salmon to hold states liable if their released sex offenders committed subsequent crimes in other states [``No Second Chances,'' August 12].
``Aimee's Law''--in memory of college student Aimee Willard who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered near Philadelphia by a brute paroled by Nevada--strikes a commendable balance. It creates an incentive for states to monitor predators more closely instead of merely chasing them out of town, while not federalizing crimes that ought to remain under local jurisdiction.
Last week the Senate passed the measure as an amendment to a larger crime bill. Similar legislation is pending in the House, and it ought to be approved as well. Giving a one-way bus ticket to a sex offender might improve the community he leaves, but it is the equivalent of shipping toxic waste to unsuspecting states.
``Aimee's Law'' would make states bear the costs of such a repugnant practice. It is good legislation the House should pass and the President should sign into law.
____
``No Second Chances'' Bill Deserves Careful Congressional Consideration
Lawrence Singleton should have died lonely and despised in a California prison. Instead, the infamous criminal who hacked off the arms of a teenage girl after raping her walked out of his cell and returned to make his home in Florida.
It wasn't long before he was under arrest again, this time for murder.
Singleton is sentenced to die in Florida's electric chair, but he's an old man in failing health who still has appeals to exhaust. As a prisoner, he costs taxpayers $26,000 a year. We taxpayers are paying for his legal costs.
Under a Federal bill making its way through the House of Representatives, the state of California, which let Singleton out of jail, would have to pay Florida's expenses. It also would have to compensate, to the tune of $100,000, the family of Tampa murder victim Roxanne Hayes.
The bill, called No Second Chances for murderers, rapists or child molesters, deserves a fair hearing.
It attacks a national crime problem without costing more federal money. It alerts states that they will assume a financial risk when they release their most violent criminals back into society. It does not federalize crimes or infringe on state and local responsibilities for law enforcement.
At the same time, the bill merits careful scrutiny.
It was written to prod states into drafting laws that would not allow violent sex offenders and murderers to go free. If states don't decide to put those criminals in jail for life, then they risk a financial penalty for giving their prisoners ``a second chance.'' And some prisoners, unlike Singleton, deserve a second chance--after they have paid their debt to society in full.
That's the crux of the problem. Prisoners locked up for despicable offenses are going to get out of jail, and many of them will not have served enough time for their crime. U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon's proposal would force states to put them away forever or pay the price.
The Arizona Republican has the support of parents of murder victims, including Fred Goldman, whose son Ron was killed with Nicole Brown Simpson, and Marc Klaas, whose daughter Polly was murdered by a repeat offender in California.
Whether we like it or not, released criminals roam from state to state. States have no recourse to prevent this immigration, even though one in seven repeat crimes occurs in a different state from the original offense.
Each year, according to Department of Justice studies, released killers drifting from one part of the country to another murder more than 100 people. Each year rapists cross state lines and claim 445 new victims. Each year these criminals cross state lines and sexually assault more than 1,200 people, including 935 children.
(And we don't have to remind you of the many bad actors who wend their way to the Sunshine State when winter looms.)
Critics of the proposal say the recidivism rate for these most heinous crimes is low, but some studies suggest these offenses are repeated more often than not. The critics complain that state laws already allow judges to put repeat offenders away for life, but those arguments do not address the victimization of innocent people or the victimized state's ability to pay for its prisoners.
Specifically, the proposal would require the Justice Department to transfer federal crime-fighting dollars from one state to another to pay for the costs of reincarceration as a repeat offender.
Half of the amounts transferred would be deposited in the state's crime victims' fund, and half would be deposited in the state account that collects federal law enforcement funds. Additionally, the proposal would provide $100,000 to the victims of the subsequent attack.
Interestingly, the bill mandates nothing. The states are required to do nothing. But a state would run the risk of losing federal crime-fighting funds if it let a killer or child molester out of jail and then that convict committed a crime again.
The proposition raises other issues. If a state decides to make life prisoners of these criminals, it has to have a place to house them. The state must also have a parole or probation system to judge accurately when to release prisoners.
Lawmakers considering the bill must also figure out how to handle those prisoners who have served their time. States have no authority to detain someone who has served his sentence and should not be penalized for future crimes in other states.
There are no simple answers to this vexing problem, but Salmon's approach would at least force a state to face the consequences of its decision. The Goldmans and Klaases of the world will not remain silent, and they have thrown their considerable celebrity behind this effort.
The proposal bears watching--and talking about--as the measure makes its way through Congress.
____
Time for the House to Enact Aimee's Law
The brutal and senseless murder of Aimee Willard in June 1996 touched the very heart of Delaware County. A vivacious college student and athlete with a bright future was lost and we hurt for her family and friends.
But with the conviction and sentencing of her killer, the book did not close on this terrible chapter in county history. Aimee Willard lives on with the crafting of legislation aimed at preventing a tragedy such as the one that befell her.
This week the U.S. House of Representatives will consider
``Aimee's Law.''
Labeled as a bipartisan effort, the law turns up the heat on states to impose stronger sentences for criminals convicted of rape, murder and child molestation.
Gail Willard, Aimee's mother, testified at a Congressional hearing last year, urging stiffer state sentencing guidelines for career criminals such as Arthur Bomar.
Bomar had been convicted of killing a man in Nevada over a parking spot. He served 11 years in jail in Nevada before being paroled, despite showing a propensity for violence in prison.
``Right now, life criminals are running the system,'' said Gail Willard during her testimony in Washington.
U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon says the early release of violent felons is plain wrong.
``The average time served in a state prison for rape is just 5\1/2\ years,'' Weldon said. ``For child molestation, it is about four years. And for murder, it is just eight years. That's absolutely unacceptable.''
Aimee's Law requires a state that releases a convicted murderer, rapist or child molester who goes on to commit another crime in another state to compensate the second state for the cost of apprehending, prosecuting and incarcerating the criminal.
The money loss would come in the form of withholding federal crime grants from the first state and adding the amount to the second state's share, according to one of the law's sponsors, U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz.
Whether the financial stick and carrot will work remains to be seen, but several questions remain:
Will the threat of grant money loss make parole boards more accountable--or at least look with a little more scrutiny at who is being allowed to walk out the front gate?
Why must the taxpayers foot the bill for screw-ups in the state prison system?
Should we keep building prisons and ignoring the issue of rehabilitation?
Despite those concerns, we see the consideration of
``Aimee's Law'' as a step in the right direction as it puts a victim's face on the problem of repeat violent offenders and the need to place responsibility on the shoulders of our state prisons.
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