President Clinton's signature Friday on legislation named for 7-year-old Megan Kanka left her parents relieved. They said their daughter's death now has some meaning.

"I can't believe it's finally happened. We've worked so hard for this," Maureen Kanka said after attending the Oval Office signing with her husband, Richard. "It was just very emotional for us."

Ms. Kanka said the law will arm families with information to warn their children. The man who will stand trial for i.ne 1994 killing of Megan Kanka was a twice-convicted child molester.

"You can take your child by the hand, point that person out and say this man hurts children," Ms. Kanka said. "Our children are very naive and predators know this."

Others watching the signing included the bill's sponsor. New Jersey Republican Rep. Dick Zimmer. Several other families whose children were killed in high-profile cases also attended.

Saturday, May 18, 1996