General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1500 aims to strengthen the registration and verification process for individuals convicted of sexual offenses, particularly those against minors or nonviolent sexual offenses. The bill mandates that these registrants provide their residence address, electronic mail address, and other communication identifiers to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, maintaining this registration for ten years or for life in the case of prior convictions. It also requires courts to inform individuals of their registration obligations before accepting guilty pleas. Registrants must promptly notify the Commissioner of any changes to their personal information, and failure to comply can result in penalties categorized as either a class D felony or an infraction, depending on the nature of the violation.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for individuals registered in other jurisdictions, requiring them to register in Connecticut upon residency. It repeals and replaces Section 54-257, emphasizing the responsibilities of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in maintaining the registry and notifying local law enforcement of changes in registrants' status. The bill also establishes a verification process for registrants to confirm their residence, including the submission of verification forms and photographic images every five years. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes various amendments to existing laws to enhance the monitoring and accountability of sexual offenders.

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