Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) today called on the Assembly leadership to bring Brittany’s Law to the floor of the Assembly for a vote. He has a petition on his New York State Assembly website allowing community members to sign and show their support for the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. The Act, more commonly known as Brittany’s Law, would require anyone convicted of a violent felony to register with the Department of Criminal Justice Services after being released from prison. New York State mandates sex offenders register with the agency, but not violent offenders.

“This is an important opportunity for citizens to take action and support legislation that will make our communities safer,” said Giglio. “The petition will be online for several weeks and presented to the Majority before the end of the legislative session. Brittany’s Law has passed the Senate for five years now. It’s time the Assembly follows suit and closes this unsafe loophole.”

Recently, Assemblyman Giglio joined Senator Cathy Young, Linda Randolph, Dale Driscoll and several Assembly and Senate colleagues at a press conference in Albany urging the Assembly to pass Brittany’s Law. Ms. Randolph, a resident of Assemblyman Giglio’s Assembly District, is a staunch advocate of Brittany’s Law after her daughter, Shannon Pepper, was the victim of a violent sexual assault by a person with a history of abuse toward women. Shannon herself was also an advocate for Brittany’s Law in order to protect others from becoming victims of brutal assaults. Tragically, Shannon passed away as a result of a fire in February.

“These families have endured unimaginable tragedy, and they’re telling everyone about it to raise awareness and protect our communities, and that takes remarkable courage,” Giglio continued. “I’m encouraging state residents to show their support by completing the online petition on my website so we’re able to unite to get Brittany’s Law passed by the end of Session.”

The petition can be signed online by visiting the following website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Joseph-M-Giglio/story/63600.