Rep. John Atkins (D-Millsboro) wants to make Delaware a very uncomfortable place for a high-risk, repeat sex offender.
The most uncomfortable, in fact.
“If we can set a trend and lead the nation, we can push ‘em out and push ‘em out,” said Atkins, who has proposed a legislative package that aims to do just that.
Atkins’ proposal includes a “sex offender” stamp on drivers’ licenses, a special license plate that must be registered and displayed on an offenders’ vehicle, truth in sentencing for offenders and – potentially the most controversial – mandatory chemical castration for male offenders over the age of 21, who have targeted a child younger than 12.
“It is my intent to make Delaware the toughest place for a repeat sex offender to live,” Atkins said. “We need zero-tolerance for child molesters and other sex offenders.”
While his proposal has certainly been colored by the investigation into Dr. Earl Bradley, who is facing multiple sex-offense charges, Atkins was also the primary sponsor for the state’s Child Internet Protection Act in 2004, a bill which helps to regulate Internet content at public libraries to protect children against obscenity and child pornography.
Atkins said state lawmakers must stand up for kids who are victims of sexual offenses.
“We have the power to protect them,” he said.
ATKINS' PROPOSAL
• Truth in sentencing All high-risk, repeat sex offenders would serve out their full term of jail time
• Motor vehicles Drivers’ licenses would be stamped with “sex offender” and easily-identifiable license plates would be designed by the DMV
• Castration Any male sex offender older than 21, who targeted a victim younger than 12, would receive mandatory chemical castration
n Offenders would receive an additional penalty for providing a cell phone to his or her victim
• Phones Offenders would receive an additional penalty for providing a cell phone to his or her victim
