The push is on for state lawmakers to take a vote on legislation that would give judges the authority to order the most dangerous sexual offenders held in secure mental facilities following their prison release.

During a public hearing Tuesday at the Orange County Government Center, Republican Assembly members heard testimony from police officers and prosecutors who support the civil confinement bill. Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun (R-Blooming Grove) says the recent murder of a woman at a White Plains mall by a convicted rapist prompted unprecedented action in Albany.

In addition to public forums, a petition drive is ongoing to pressure Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) to bring civil confinement legislation to the floor for a vote.