State to re-examine sex offender laws

BOSTON (WWLP) - A child sexual assault case is prompting Massachusetts lawmakers to re-examine state sex offender laws.

Massachusetts lawmakers are reconsidering a bill that would make the names of low-level sex offenders public.

The decision follows the arrest of John Burbine who allegedly sexually assaulted children in his wife's daycare business. Burbine was a Level 1 sex offender, which means the likelihood of him re-offending was considered to be low risk. House Speaker Robert DeLeo says he will review a proposed law that would give the public access to information about Level 1 sex offenders. 

Sen. Robert Hedlund, (R-Weymouth) told 22News, “I think there's pretty much a consensus in the building that we do need to do something on that so I don't think that's going to be a problem as we go into the New Year.”

Republican lawmakers are also considering legislation that would make changes to the classification system so that sex offenders like Burbine are considered higher risk. 

They are also looking to increase fines against sex offenders.