The bill amends the Kansas offender registration act to include individuals convicted of distributing a controlled substance that causes great bodily harm or death as "violent offenders," thereby requiring them to register. This addition is reflected in the updated definition in K.S.A. 22-4902. Furthermore, the bill specifies that such offenses will mandate a 15-year registration period following conviction or release, as outlined in the amended K.S.A. 22-4906. In conjunction with these new requirements, the bill repeals existing sections of K.S.A. 22-4902 and K.S.A. 22-4906, modernizing the legal framework for offender registration in Kansas to enhance public safety.

Additionally, the bill establishes specific registration durations for various offenses, particularly for sexual offenses, which are set at 25 years from conviction or until 25 years after parole or release if the offender is confined. It also clarifies that time spent incarcerated or non-compliant does not count towards the registration duration, and lifetime registration is mandated for repeat offenders. Provisions for juvenile offenders are included, allowing those under 14 to register until they turn 18, with potential for non-public registration. For those aged 14 and older, registration may last until they reach 18 or for five years from adjudication, depending on the offense's severity. The bill also addresses registration for individuals moving to Kansas with prior convictions, ensuring compliance with the longer duration required by either Kansas law or the law of their previous state.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-4902, 22-4906