The bill amends the Sex Offenders Registration Act of 1994, focusing on the registration process for individuals convicted of listed offenses. It establishes specific registration requirements for individuals convicted on or before October 1, 1995, based on their status (e.g., probation, parole, or juvenile jurisdiction) and sets deadlines for compliance. New provisions are introduced for individuals with out-of-state convictions or federal offenses, ensuring they are notified by the department and given the opportunity to petition the circuit court regarding their registration obligations. The bill also clarifies reporting requirements for individuals required to register after July 1, 2011, and establishes a tiered system for registration duration, with tier I offenders registering for 15 years, tier II for 25 years, and tier III for life, unless their offense occurred before July 1, 2011, which may reduce the registration period.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the legal framework surrounding sex offender registration by allowing individuals classified as tier I, II, or III offenders to petition the court to discontinue their registration. It introduces new subsections for individuals with out-of-state offenses to seek clarification on their registration obligations in Michigan and outlines the criteria the court must consider when evaluating these petitions, such as the similarity of offenses and the individual's threat level to the public. The language of the law is updated to be more inclusive, replacing gender-specific terms with neutral language, and it emphasizes the rights of victims in the petition process, ensuring they are notified and allowed to participate in hearings. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the petition process while maintaining public safety and victim rights.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 28.724