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Former Congressman Dick Zimmer, 81, Dies; Advocated Child Safety

1/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dick Zimmer (former Republican congressman from New Jersey) died at age 81 from myelodysplasia.
He sponsored Megan’s Law, which requires states to disclose the locations of convicted sex offenders.
The law, passed unanimously in 1996, followed the 1994 murder of Megan Kanka and aimed to enhance child safety.
Zimmer, a fiscal conservative, supported Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, breaking with his party.

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Story summary

Dick Zimmer (former Republican congressman from New Jersey) died at age 81 from myelodysplasia.
He sponsored Megan’s Law, which requires states to disclose the locations of convicted sex offenders.
The law, passed unanimously in 1996, followed the 1994 murder of Megan Kanka and aimed to enhance child safety.
Zimmer, a fiscal conservative, supported Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, breaking with his party.