Wisconsin lawmakers introduced "Leah's Law" today in Madison, legislation that would create a public information system and online registry of violent felons living in the state.
Friends and family of Leah Gustafson, a Superior woman who was killed by her neighbor, Jason Borelli, in January 2006, have been working on enacting the law since her death. Borelli has a long history of violent and criminal behavior, and those close to Gustafson believe if a registry had existed she would still be alive. Borelli was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide last year and sentenced to life in prison.
State Reps. Frank Boyle, Scott Suder and Suzanne Jeskewitz introduced the legislation. The registry would be similar to the Wisconsin sex offender registry, and would require the Department of Corrections to create and maintain a violent offender registry. Violent felons would be registered upon release from prison, and would remain on the list for 15 years for a single offense, and for life for multiple offenses. Those who move to Wisconsin would be required to register. Florida, Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Ohio have violent offender registries.
