General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1500 proposes significant amendments to the registration and verification processes for sexual offender registrants. Key provisions include the requirement for registrants to verify their residence addresses through forms mailed to them and to submit to a photographic retake upon request from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill clarifies penalties for non-compliance, categorizing intentional failures to notify the Commissioner of changes in name, address, or status as class D felonies, while unintentional violations may result in infractions if the registrant did not receive the necessary verification form. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals must notify the Commissioner of any changes to their name, address, or electronic identifiers without undue delay, with penalties established for violations.

The bill also modifies registration requirements for individuals convicted of specific offenses against minors or nonviolent sexual offenses, stipulating that those with prior convictions must register for life, while others are required to register for ten years. It grants the court discretion to exempt certain individuals from registration if deemed unnecessary for public safety and mandates that victims be notified of any applications for exemption. Furthermore, the bill repeals and replaces Section 54-257, establishing a framework for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to maintain a registry and verify registrants' addresses every ninety days. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that sexual offenders are properly monitored while balancing the rights of affected individuals.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-251, 54-252, 54-253, 54-254, 54-257
JUD Joint Favorable: 54-251, 54-252, 54-253, 54-254, 54-257
File No. 799: 54-251, 54-252, 54-253, 54-254, 54-257
APP Joint Favorable: 54-251, 54-252, 54-253, 54-254, 54-257