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Hillsdale Mom: Push Senators Monday To Support Child Rape Law

HILLSDALE, N.J. — Rosemarie D’Alessandro of Hillsdale, whose daughter was sexually assaulted and murdered in the 1970s, is urging everyone to call two state senators Monday.

Joan's Law is named after 7-year-old Joan D'Alessandro, who was raped and murdered by a neighbor.

Joan's Law is named after 7-year-old Joan D'Alessandro, who was raped and murdered by a neighbor.

Photo Credit: sitewww.ch
Rosemarie D'Alessandro in Trenton in February when the General Assembly voted unanimously to approve the expansion of Joan's Law.

Rosemarie D'Alessandro in Trenton in February when the General Assembly voted unanimously to approve the expansion of Joan's Law.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of John D'Alessandro

Monday – April 3 – marks the 20th anniversary of the first Joan’s Law being signed into law.

D'Alessandro wants the public to tell two senators to push through Joan's Bill (S607). 

The bill expands the original law.

The two senators are Sen. Paul Sarno, chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, and Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney.

Once Joan’s Bill clears the committee and is passed in the Senate, it can go to Gov. Christie’s desk for signing.

Joan’s Law is named after 7-year-old Joan D’Alessandro, who was raped and killed by a neighbor while selling Girl Scout cookies door-to-door in 1973.

It requires life imprisonment without parole for people convicted of murdering a minor under age 14 during a sex crime.

The expanded law would call for the same for victims under age 18.

RELATED: New Jersey Mom Victorious: Assembly Passes Expanded Child Rape Law

RELATED: Change Draws Closer In NJ Law Named For Hillsdale Girl Killed In Sex Crime

Rosemarie D’Alessandro, a beloved figure statewide, has been crusading on the issue tirelessly for decades.

She is the founder of the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation, a child safety organization.

Also on April 3, D’Alessandro and her two sons, Michael and John, will place a gold star paperweight at the Joan Angela D’Alessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden.

The garden, located near the Hillsdale train station, was unveiled three years ago on April 3.

It stands for child safety.

The paperweight resembles the one Gov. Christie Whitman used 20 years ago when she signed Joan’s Law.

Reach Sen. Sweeney at 856-251-9801 or 856-339-0808.

Reach Sen. Sarlo at 201-804-8118.

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