Associated Press

DENVER — Gov. Bill Owens signed 13 anti-crime and anti-terror measures Monday, including a bill expanding the powers of the new Office of Preparedness, Security and Fire Safety to fight terrorism.

"Maintaining a free society depends on our citizens being safe in their homes and in their communities, and that is what these laws will help us do," Owens said.

Other bills increase the statute of limitations for sex crimes against a minor to 10 years beyond adulthood, increase the penalty for failing to register as a sex offender and require sex offenders to notify local police when they enroll or work on a college campus.

The governor also signed Senate Bill 210, adding members of the clergy to categories of workers required to report suspected child abuse.

Rob Brown, president of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs representing 399 agencies across the state, said it was important to add fire chiefs to the battle against terrorism.

"As we all learned on Sept. 11 when 343 New York firefighters lost their lives in the World Trade Center, our industry was thrust into the battle on terrorism, not only locally but nationwide," he said.

He said the bill will help develop a statewide mobilization plan.

June 4, 2002

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