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	Healey Signs Sex Crimes Bill By Michelle Laczkoski Daily News Tribune [Massachusetts] September 22, 2006 http://www.dailynewstribune.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=75642 Peter and Annette Presti got the justice they were seeking yesterday, as Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey signed a bill extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex crimes and placing tougher penalties on convicted sex offenders. Two years after their daughter and granddaughter were allegedly murdered in their Woburn home by a neighbor who the state considered a dangerous sexual criminal, the Prestis' efforts to safeguard the public from sexual predators paid off. "We did it," Presti said, hugging another supporter after Healey signed the bill. "It means a lot to have it passed; hopefully this will prevent another horrendous tragedy from happening again," Annette Presti said. Under the new law, the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex crimes will now be 27 years instead of the former limit of six or 15 years, depending on the crime. The law also places stiffer penalties on sex offenders who fail to register in their towns and adds several new categories of offenders to the list of those required to wear Global Positioning System transmitters that allow police to monitor their movements. "The need to extend the statute of limitations, better protect and get justice for victims of sexual abuse are why we are here today," Healey said. "We need to make sure people have a voice and can seek justice that the system will provide." When Rep. Peter Koutoujian, D-Waltham, was approached by the Prestis' cousin Marie Presti Cunniff, of Newton, two years ago, he immediately began efforts to craft legislation to protect families against sex offenders. Koutoujian, who worked tirelessly with the Prestis to create the "Joanne and Alyssa Act," was "inspired by the family's drive." By extending, and in some cases, eliminating the statute of limitations for sex crimes, victims will have more time to identify perpetrators of sexual crimes. Surrounded by senators and legislators, Healey congratulated her colleagues in crafting the legislation. She also thanked those who advocated for the change and had the strength to tell their stories. Healy, the Republican candidate for governor, took over the duties of signing the bill because Gov. Mitt Romney was in Washington, D.C. Among the supporters present were Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, and Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, who worked to file an 80-section omnibus sex offender bill, which was partially included in the passed bill. "We have been pushing hard to tighten the sex offender laws," Brown said. "Days like this make me proud to be a senator. It's great to see progress being made on these important issues." House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading, called the bill a victory for victims of abuse and a new form of safety for the children of Massachusetts. Under the new law, level 2 and 3 sex offenders who fail to preregister or provide false information to the Sex Offender Registry could face lifetime parole. Those who list homeless shelters as their address must verify that information with the Sex Offender Registry Board every 45 days instead of every 90 days. The law also prohibits Level 3 sex offenders from living in a Department of Public Health registered nursing home. "It's a good start. The impetus is to address the issue, which I consider to be the number one public safety issue in our community," Brown said. Vallee, whose involvement in the legislation dates back six years ago, plans to continue his work. "What happened today is a great achievement," he said. "We still have a lot more ground to cover, but it's a good portion of our goal and we will continue to stride forward to protect the public." Brown also expressed his interest in taking up the issue once the election is over. District Attorney Dan Conley said the bill represented "government at its very best." "All success is shared and this legislation is a prime example of this motto," he said.
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