Speaking Monday at a news conference in Dobbs Ferry, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced legislation designed to make it tougher for pedophiles to have access to young children. Schumer says current laws restricting pedophiles' access to children do not prevent them from working with kids in jobs not funded by the government. Schumer's bill would strengthen restrictions on sex offenders to keep them away from any job or volunteer activity such as dance, music lessons, or children's coaches that have substantial interaction with young children.

Senator Schumer's legislation would amend current federal law to prevent convicted and registered sex offenders from being able to accept paid or volunteer jobs that involve direct contact with minors. Currently, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 leaves sex offender employment decisions up the individual states. Said Schumer, "When it comes to the safety of the children across New York, we cannot be too careful," adding, "It's time to prevent sex offenders from gaining access to our children once and for all."