February 1 marked the effective date of a new law aimed at prohibiting bail for criminals convicted of sexually abusing a child. It passed last year as part of the Sexual Assault Reform Act, according to Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt (137th District).

Nesbitt's initiative, labeled for years as "Charlie's Bill," will deny bail for any person convicted of committing a felony sex offense against a person under 18. Nesbitt said criminals are often allowed to be free on bail while awaiting sentencing for their crimes. He said this loophole give sexual predators the opportunity to commit even more heinous crimes before being sent to jail for long terms. Nesbitt had been fighting for its passage in the Assembly for more than five years.