Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) joined his colleagues on Tuesday, May 21, to introduce legislation that would extend the parole period from two to five years, known as “Ramona’s Law.”

Ramona Bante-Fahy, for whom the legislation is named, is a survivor of a violent sexual assault in 1992. She is now faced with confronting her attacker to testify against him at parole hearings every twenty-four months to keep him in prison, thus reliving the horrific experience every few months. Ramona’s Law would move up this twenty-four month timeframe to five years.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in standing up for victims of unspeakable crimes,” said Smullen. “Ramona and those who have experienced horrific crimes should not have to relive their experiences every few months by encountering their perpetrators though parole hearings. People should not have to continue to experience their pain over and over. By working together to pass Ramona’s Law, we are ensuring that these offenders stay behind bars and receive the penalties they deserve.”