The Suffolk Legislature today approved a landmark bill authored by Legislator Jon Cooper
(D-Huntington) which will require all companies and organizations – including religious institutions – under contract with the county to file a report with the proper authorities if they suspect that an employee has committed child sexual abuse.
The legislation was approved by a 15-0 margin with three abstentions. Cooper hailed the voting results as a clear sign that county government supports bold steps to curb child sexual abuse in Suffolk. Under the provisions of the bill, employers who do not report suspicions of abuse by an employee to New York State Child Protective Services will face a series of escalating penalties, including fines up to $50,000 and the termination of their contracts with the county.
"It is incumbent upon us as lawmakers to do everything within our power to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, namely our children," Cooper said. "This bill will spread the word quickly that child sexual abuse will simply not be tolerated in Suffolk County."
Cooper is also drafting a separate bill that would require organizations under contract with the county to provide child sexual abuse prevention education to their employees.
