Kennedy-cosponsored legislation will require school districts to notify parents of sex offenders living within the district in an effort to help keep children and families safe from predators.

Now that the bill has passed through the Senate with bi-partisan support, Kennedy is urging his Assembly colleagues to pass the bill as well.

Kennedy: With nearly 1,300 sex offenders living in our community, this legislation ensures parents have the knowledge they need to help keep their children safe.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, announced the Senate has passed legislation he cosponsored to help protect children from sex offenders who may live near their schools. Kennedy explained the bill would ensure school districts notify their students’ parents when they receive information about a sex offender residing within the district.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY - Those who serve in the military are willing to put parts of their life on hold.

For John Kaniecki, that meant waiting a few months to meet his new born daughter Jade.  

On Tuesday, John returned from an eight month tour in the Persian Gulf, aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), to say hello to his little girl.

Photojournalist Dooley O'Rourke was at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport when young Jade met her dad for the very first time.

Watch the story in the viewer above.