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For Immediate
Release
1/14/08
Contact:
Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6063
Regola Reintroducing Bill Targeting Child
Molesters
Would require chemical treatment for sex offenses
State Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is reintroducing legislation that would
provide for the chemical treatment of sex offenders who commit their crime on
children under 16 years of age. Commonly known as “chemical castration,” the
treatment involves the use of medications to suppress one’s sex drive.
“My legislation would require that for offenses such as rape, incest, or
sexual assault, a sex offender -- who is evaluated and recommended by a
psychiatrist -- undergo chemical treatment as part of the offender’s sentence,
if paroled,” said Sen. Regola.
Under Senate Bill 1235, the treatment would be discretionary for certain
first offenses and mandatory for other crimes or subsequent offenses. The
legislation would also set penalties, including mandatory 10-year imprisonment,
for those who fail to comply with the treatment.
“Chemical treatment of sex offenders is an accepted, safe and useful tool in
the effort to protect our children from sexual predators,” said Regola. “In
this regard, a number of other states currently have such laws on the books.”
In 1996 California became the first state to pass a chemical treatment law.
Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin have
since passed measures.
Senate Bill 1235 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for
consideration. Senator Regola first introduced similar legislation during the
2005-06 Legislative Session.
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