Senate Bill 901 (sSB901 File No. 96) establishes a registry for individuals convicted of financial crimes against elderly persons, to be maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) starting July 1, 2024. The bill defines relevant terms and outlines the registration process, including the information that must be provided by registrants, such as name, physical description, address, and offense details. It also sets forth the procedures for updating the registry and makes the information publicly accessible. Additionally, the bill requires courts to inform individuals of the registration requirements when they plead guilty or nolo contendere to relevant crimes, and mandates annual personal appearances by registrants to update their information. Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a class D felony.

The bill also amends existing statutes to include checks against the new registry as part of the background search program for long-term care facilities, managed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). It requires DPH to grant waivers within 15 business days unless the accuracy of the background search is contested, and allows conditional employment under supervision for up to 60 days. Furthermore, the bill prohibits individuals required to register from changing their name without meeting specific notification requirements and gives the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection the right to challenge such name change applications. The fiscal impact statement estimates costs for DESPP and DPH to implement the registry and background check system, as well as potential costs and revenues associated with the new class D felony charge. The bill includes technical and conforming changes and takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 52-11
AGE Joint Favorable Substitute: 52-11
File No. 96: 52-11