In 1995, a convicted child molester was arrested for the murder and rape of 7-year-old Megan Kanka in a New Jersey suburb. The offender lived right across the street from the Kanka residence, however the Police Department was prohibited from disclosing the presence of this child molester because at the time the law did not allow the release of sex offender information to the public.

The law was changed to permit the release of this information to the public and on May 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the law, dubbed “Megan’s Law” in remembrance of little Megan Kanka.

The California State Legislature signed California’s version of Megan’s Law into effect on September 25, 1996. This law was implemented to allow potential victims to protect themselves and allow parents to protect their children.

To learn more about Megan’s Law click on the button below.