PRINTER'S NO.  31

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

68

Session of

2011

  

  

INTRODUCED BY EVERETT, MARSICO, CALTAGIRONE, BAKER, CARROLL, HESS, HORNAMAN, KAUFFMAN, O'NEILL, SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, VULAKOVICH, CLYMER, BOYD, REESE, GINGRICH, D. COSTA, HARKINS, GRELL, HARRIS, DEASY, HAHN, MAJOR, KORTZ, LONGIETTI, MANN, GIBBONS, PICKETT, TALLMAN AND STURLA, JANUARY 19, 2011

  

  

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JANUARY 19, 2011  

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and

2

Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

3

Statutes, in falsification and intimidation, further

4

providing for failure to comply with registration of sexual

5

offenders requirements; in registration of sexual offenders,

6

further providing for definitions, for registration, for

7

registration procedures and applicability, for sentencing

8

court information and for verification of residence; in

9

registration of sexual offenders, providing for registration

10

of transients; and in registration of sexual offenders,

11

further providing for victim notification, for other

12

notification, for information made available on the Internet,

13

for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and for

14

photographs and fingerprinting.

15

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

16

hereby enacts as follows:

17

Section 1.  Section 4915(a), (b), (c) and (e)(3) of Title 18

18

of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended and the

19

section is amended by adding subsections to read:

20

§ 4915.  Failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders

21

requirements.

 


1

(a)  Offense defined.--An individual who is subject to

2

registration under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) (relating to

3

registration) or an individual who is subject to registration

4

under 42 Pa.C.S. § [9795.1(b)(1), (2) or (3)] 9795.1(b) or who

5

was subject to registration under former 42 Pa.C.S § 9793

6

(relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) 

7

commits an offense if he knowingly fails to:

8

(1)  register with the Pennsylvania State Police as

9

required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.2 (relating to registration

10

procedures and applicability);

11

(2)  verify his address or be photographed as required

12

under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796 (relating to verification of

13

residence); or

14

(3)  provide accurate information when registering under

15

42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.2 or verifying an address under 42 Pa.C.S.

16

§ 9796.

17

(a.1)  Transients.--An individual who is subject to

18

registration as a transient under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796.1 (relating

19

to registration of transients) commits an offense if the

20

individual knowingly fails to:

21

(1)  register with the Pennsylvania State Police as

22

required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796.1;

23

(2)  provide the information set forth in 42 Pa.C.S. §

24

9796.1;

25

(3)  be photographed; or

26

(4)  provide accurate information when complying with 42

27

Pa.C.S. § 9796.1.

28

(b)  Grading for offenders who must register for ten years.--

29

(2)  Except as set forth in paragraph (3), an individual

30

subject to registration under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or

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1

former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 and required to register for a

2

period of ten years who commits a violation of subsection (a)

3

(1) or (2) commits a felony of the third degree.

4

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

5

Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 and required

6

to register for a period of ten years who commits a violation

7

of subsection (a)(1) or (2) and who has previously been

8

convicted of an offense under subsection (a)(1) or (2) or a

9

similar offense commits a felony of the second degree.

10

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

11

Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 and required

12

to register for a period of ten years who violates subsection

13

(a)(3) commits a felony of the second degree.

14

(c)  Grading for sexually violent predators and others with

15

lifetime registration.--

16

(2)  Except as set forth in paragraph (3), an individual

17

subject to registration under 42 Pa.C.S. § [9795.1(b)(1), (2) 

18

or (3)] 9795.1(b) or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 and who is

19

subject to lifetime registration who commits a violation of

20

subsection (a)(1) or (2) commits a felony of the second

21

degree.

22

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

23

Pa.C.S. § [9795.1(b)(1), (2) or (3)] 9795.1(b) or former 42

24

Pa.C.S. § 9793 and who is subject to lifetime registration 

25

who commits a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2) and who

26

has previously been convicted of an offense under subsection

27

(a)(1) or (2) or a similar offense commits a felony of the

28

first degree.

29

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

30

Pa.C.S. § [9795.1(b)(1), (2) or (3)] 9795.1(b) or former 42

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1

Pa.C.S. § 9793 and who is subject to lifetime registration 

2

who violates subsection (a)(3) commits a felony of the first

3

degree.

4

(c.1)  Grading for transient offenders.--

5

(1)  Except as set forth in paragraph (2), an individual

6

subject to registration under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796.1 who commits

7

a violation of subsection (a.1) commits a felony of the third

8

degree.

9

(2)  An individual subject to registration under 42

10

Pa.C.S. § 9796.1 who commits a violation of subsection (a.1)

11

and who has previously been convicted of an offense under

12

subsection (a.1) or a similar offense commits a felony of the

13

second degree.

14

* * * 

15

(e)  Arrests for violation.--

16

* * *

17

(3)  Prior to admitting an individual arrested for a

18

violation of this section to bail, the issuing authority

19

shall require all of the following:

20

(i)  The individual must be fingerprinted and

21

photographed in the manner required by 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97

22

Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual offenders).

23

(ii)  The individual must provide the Pennsylvania

24

State Police with all current or intended residences, all

25

information concerning current or intended employment,

26

including all employment locations, and all information

27

concerning current or intended enrollment as a student.

28

If the individual is a transient, the transient must

29

provide the Pennsylvania State Police with the

30

information required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796.1.

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1

(iii)  Law enforcement must make reasonable attempts

2

to verify the information provided by the individual.

3

* * *

4

Section 2.  The definition of "offender" in section 9792 of

5

Title 42 is amended and the section is amended by adding a

6

definition to read:

7

§ 9792.  Definitions.

8

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

9

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

10

context clearly indicates otherwise:

11

* * *

12

"Offender."  An individual required to register under section

13

9795.1(a), (b)(1) [or], (2), (4) or (5) (relating to

14

registration) or under former section 9793 (relating to

15

registration of certain offenders for ten years).

16

* * *

17

"Transient."  An individual required to register under this

18

subchapter who does not have a residence.

19

Section 3.  Section 9795.1(a) and (b) of Title 42 are amended

20

by adding paragraphs and the section is amended by adding a

21

subsection to read:

22

§ 9795.1.  Registration.

23

(a)  Ten-year registration.--The following individuals shall

24

be required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police for a

25

period of ten years:

26

* * *

27

(4)  Individuals who have moved to this Commonwealth who

28

fail to maintain a residence who have been convicted of

29

offenses similar to the crimes cited in paragraphs (1) and

30

(2) under the laws of the United States or one of the

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1

territories or possessions, another state, the District of

2

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation

3

or under a former law of this Commonwealth.

4

(b)  Lifetime registration.--The following individuals shall

5

be subject to lifetime registration:

6

* * *

7

(5)  Individuals who have moved to this Commonwealth who

8

fail to maintain a residence who have been convicted of

9

offenses similar to the crimes cited in paragraph (2) under

10

the laws of the United States or one of the territories or

11

possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the

12

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation or under a

13

former law of this Commonwealth.

14

* * *

15

(d)  Failure to maintain a residence.--The fact that an

16

individual required to register under this subchapter does not

17

have a residence shall not relieve the individual from the duty

18

to register or any other duty imposed by this subchapter. Such

19

an individual shall register as a transient in accordance with

20

the provisions of this subchapter.

21

Section 4.  Sections 9795.2 and 9795.3 of Title 42 are

22

amended to read:

23

§ 9795.2.  Registration procedures and applicability.

24

(a)  Registration.--

25

(1)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall be

26

required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police upon

27

release from incarceration, upon parole from a State or

28

county correctional institution or upon the commencement of a

29

sentence of intermediate punishment or probation. For

30

purposes of registration, offenders and sexually violent

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1

predators shall provide the Pennsylvania State Police with

2

all current or intended residences, all information

3

concerning current or intended employment and all information

4

concerning current or intended enrollment as a student. In

5

the event the offender or sexually violent predator does not

6

have a residence, the offender or sexually violent predator

7

shall, in addition to the other requirements of this

8

subchapter, register with the Pennsylvania State Police as a

9

transient.

10

(2)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall

11

inform the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours of:

12

(i)  Any change of residence or establishment of an

13

additional residence or residences or, if the offender or

14

sexually violent predator is a transient, the

15

establishment of a residence.

16

(ii)  Any change of employer or employment location

17

for a period of time that will exceed 14 days or for an

18

aggregate period of time that will exceed 30 days during

19

any calendar year, or termination of employment.

20

(iii)  Any change of institution or location at which

21

the person is enrolled as a student, or termination of

22

enrollment.

23

(iv)  Becoming employed or enrolled as a student if

24

the person has not previously provided that information

25

to the Pennsylvania State Police.

26

(v)  Becoming a transient. In addition to the other

27

requirements of this subchapter, the transient shall

28

comply with the provisions of section 9796.1 (relating to

29

registration of transients).

30

(2.1)  Registration with a new law enforcement agency

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1

shall occur no later than 48 hours after establishing

2

residence in another state or of moving to another state but

3

failing to maintain a residence.

4

(3)  The ten-year registration period required in section

5

9795.1(a) (relating to registration) shall be tolled when an

6

offender is recommitted for a parole violation or sentenced

7

to an additional term of imprisonment. In such cases, the

8

Department of Corrections or county correctional facility

9

shall notify the Pennsylvania State Police of the admission

10

of the offender.

11

(4)  This paragraph shall apply to all offenders and

12

sexually violent predators:

13

(i)  Where the offender or sexually violent predator

14

was granted parole by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation

15

and Parole or the court or is sentenced to probation or

16

intermediate punishment, the board or county office of

17

probation and parole shall collect registration

18

information from the offender or sexually violent

19

predator and forward that registration information to the

20

Pennsylvania State Police. The Department of Corrections

21

or county correctional facility shall not release the

22

offender or sexually violent predator until it receives

23

verification from the Pennsylvania State Police that it

24

has received the registration information. Verification

25

by the Pennsylvania State Police may occur by electronic

26

means, including e-mail or facsimile transmission. Where

27

the offender or sexually violent predator is scheduled to

28

be released from a State correctional facility or county

29

correctional facility because of the expiration of the

30

maximum term of incarceration, the Department of

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1

Corrections or county correctional facility shall collect

2

the information from the offender or sexually violent

3

predator no later than ten days prior to the maximum

4

expiration date. The registration information shall be

5

forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Police.

6

(ii)  Where the offender or sexually violent predator

7

scheduled to be released from a State correctional

8

facility or county correctional facility due to the

9

maximum expiration date refuses to provide the

10

registration information, the Department of Corrections

11

or county correctional facility shall notify the

12

Pennsylvania State Police or police department with

13

jurisdiction over the facility of the failure to provide

14

registration information and of the expected date, time

15

and location of the release of the offender or sexually

16

violent predator.

17

(b)  Individuals convicted or sentenced by a court or

18

adjudicated delinquent in jurisdictions outside this

19

Commonwealth or sentenced by court martial.--

20

(4)  An individual who resides, is a transient, is

21

employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who has

22

been convicted of or sentenced by a court or court martialed

23

for a sexually violent offense or a similar offense under the

24

laws of the United States or one of its territories or

25

possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the

26

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation, or who was

27

required to register under a sexual offender statute in the

28

jurisdiction where convicted, sentenced or court martialed,

29

shall register at an approved registration site within 48

30

hours of the individual's arrival in this Commonwealth. The

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1

provisions of this subchapter shall apply to the individual

2

as follows:

3

(i)  If the individual has been classified as a

4

sexually violent predator as defined in section 9792

5

(relating to definitions) or determined under the laws of

6

the other jurisdiction or by reason of court martial to

7

be subject to active notification and lifetime

8

registration on the basis of a statutorily authorized

9

administrative or judicial decision or on the basis of a

10

statute or administrative rule requiring active

11

notification and lifetime registration based solely on

12

the offense for which the individual was convicted,

13

sentenced or court martialed, the individual shall,

14

notwithstanding section 9792, be considered a sexually

15

violent predator and subject to lifetime registration

16

pursuant to section 9795.1(b) (relating to registration).

17

The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of

18

this section and sections 9796 (relating to verification

19

of residence), 9796.1, if the individual is a transient, 

20

9798 (relating to other notification) and 9798.1(c)(1)

21

(relating to information made available on the Internet

22

and electronic notification), except that the individual

23

shall not be required to receive counseling unless

24

required to do so by the other jurisdiction or by reason

25

of court martial.

26

(ii)  Except as provided in subparagraphs (i) and

27

(iv), if the individual has been convicted or sentenced

28

by a court or court martialed for an offense listed in

29

section 9795.1(b) or an equivalent offense, the

30

individual shall, notwithstanding section 9792, be

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1

considered an offender and be subject to lifetime

2

registration pursuant to 9795.1(b). The individual shall

3

also be subject to the provisions of this section and

4

sections 9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a transient, 

5

and 9798.1(c)(2).

6

(iii)  Except as provided in subparagraphs (i), (ii),

7

(iv) and (v), if the individual has been convicted or

8

sentenced by a court or court martialed for an offense

9

listed in section 9795.1(a) or an equivalent offense, the

10

individual shall be, notwithstanding section 9792,

11

considered an offender and subject to registration

12

pursuant to this subchapter. The individual shall also be

13

subject to the provisions of this section and sections

14

9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a transient, and

15

9798.1(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this

16

subchapter for a period of ten years or for a period of

17

time equal to the time for which the individual was

18

required to register in the other jurisdiction or

19

required to register by reason of court martial,

20

whichever is greater, less any credit due to the

21

individual as a result of prior compliance with

22

registration requirements.

23

(iv)  Except as provided in subparagraph (i) and

24

notwithstanding subparagraph (v), if the individual is

25

subject to active notification in the other jurisdiction

26

or subject to active notification by reason of court

27

martial, the individual shall, notwithstanding section

28

9792, be considered an offender and subject to this

29

section and sections 9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a

30

transient, 9798 and 9798.1(c)(1). If the individual was

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1

convicted of or sentenced in the other jurisdiction or

2

sentenced by court martial for an offense listed in

3

section 9795.1(b) or an equivalent offense, the

4

individual shall be subject to this subchapter for the

5

individual's lifetime. If the individual was convicted of

6

or sentenced in the other jurisdiction or sentenced by

7

court martial for an offense listed in section 9795.1(a)

8

or an equivalent offense, the individual shall be subject

9

to this subchapter for a period of ten years or for a

10

period of time equal to the time for which the individual

11

was required to register in the other jurisdiction or

12

required to register by reason of court martial,

13

whichever is greater, less any credit due to the

14

individual as a result of prior compliance with

15

registration requirements. Otherwise, the individual

16

shall be subject to this subchapter for a period of time

17

equal to the time for which the individual was required

18

to register in the other jurisdiction or required to

19

register by reason of court martial, less any credit due

20

to the individual as a result of prior compliance with

21

registration requirements.

22

(v)  Except as provided in subparagraphs (i), (ii),

23

(iii) and (iv), if the individual is subject to passive

24

notification in the other jurisdiction or subject to

25

passive notification by reason of court martial, the

26

individual shall, notwithstanding section 9792, be

27

considered an offender and subject to this section and

28

sections 9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a transient, 

29

and 9798.1(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this

30

subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for

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1

which the individual was required to register in the

2

other jurisdiction or required to register by reason of

3

court martial, less any credit due to the individual as a

4

result of prior compliance with registration

5

requirements.

6

(5)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 63

7

(relating to juvenile matters) and except as provided in

8

paragraph (4), an individual who resides, is a transient, is

9

employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who is

10

required to register as a sex offender under the laws of the

11

United States or one of its territories or possessions,

12

another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

13

Puerto Rico or a foreign nation as a result of a juvenile

14

adjudication shall register at an approved registration site

15

within 48 hours of the individual's arrival in this

16

Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply

17

to the individual as follows:

18

(i)  If the individual has been classified as a

19

sexually violent predator as defined in section 9792 or

20

determined under the laws of the other jurisdiction to be

21

subject to active notification and lifetime registration

22

on the basis of a statutorily authorized administrative

23

or judicial decision or on the basis of a statute or

24

administrative rule requiring active notification and

25

lifetime registration based solely on the offense for

26

which the individual was adjudicated, the individual

27

shall, notwithstanding section 9792, be considered a

28

sexually violent predator and subject to lifetime

29

registration pursuant to section 9795.1(b). The

30

individual shall also be subject to the provisions of

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1

this section and sections 9796, 9796.1, if the individual

2

is a transient, and 9798.1(c)(1), except that the

3

individual shall not be required to receive counseling

4

unless required to do so by the other jurisdiction.

5

(ii)  Except as provided in subparagraph (i), if the

6

individual is subject to active notification in the other

7

jurisdiction, the individual shall, notwithstanding

8

section 9792, be considered an offender and subject to

9

registration pursuant to this subchapter. The individual

10

shall also be subject to the provisions of this section

11

and sections 9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a

12

transient, 9798 and 9798.1(c)(1). The individual shall be

13

subject to this subchapter for a period of time equal to

14

the time for which the individual was required to

15

register in the other jurisdiction, less any credit due

16

to the individual as a result of prior compliance with

17

registration requirements.

18

(iii)  Except as provided in subparagraphs (i) and

19

(ii), if the individual is subject to passive

20

notification in the other jurisdiction, the individual

21

shall, notwithstanding section 9792, be considered an

22

offender and be subject to this section and sections

23

9796, 9796.1, if the individual is a transient, and

24

9798.1(c)(2). The individual shall be subject to this

25

subchapter for a period of time equal to the time for

26

which the individual was required to register in the

27

other jurisdiction, less any credit due to the individual

28

as a result of prior registration compliance.

29

(c)  Registration information to local police.--

30

(1)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide the

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1

information obtained under this section and sections 9795.3

2

(relating to sentencing court information) and 9796 (relating

3

to verification of residence) to the chief law enforcement

4

officers of the police departments of the municipalities in

5

which the individual will reside, be employed or enrolled as

6

a student. In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police shall

7

provide this officer with the address at which the individual

8

will reside, be employed or enrolled as a student following

9

his release from incarceration, parole or probation. If the

10

individual is a transient, the Pennsylvania State Police

11

shall provide information obtained under section 9796.1 to

12

the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments

13

of the appropriate municipalities.

14

(2)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

15

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

16

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

17

paragraph (1) when an individual fails to comply with the

18

registration requirements of this section [or], section 9796

19

or section 9796.1 and request, as appropriate, that these

20

police departments assist in locating and apprehending the

21

individual.

22

(3)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

23

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

24

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

25

paragraph (1) when they are in receipt of information

26

indicating that the individual is no longer a transient or 

27

will no longer reside, be employed or be enrolled as a

28

student in the municipality.

29

(d)  Penalty.--An individual subject to registration under

30

section 9795.1(a) or (b) or former section 9793 (relating to

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1

registration of certain offenders for ten years) who fails to

2

register with the Pennsylvania State Police as required by this

3

section may be subject to prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915 

4

(relating to failure to comply with registration of sexual

5

offenders requirements).

6

(d.1)  Transients.--An offender or a sexually violent

7

predator or other individual required to register under this

8

subchapter who is a transient who fails to register with the

9

Pennsylvania State Police as required by this section may be

10

subject to prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. 4915 (relating to

11

failure to comply with registration of sexual offender

12

requirements).

13

(e)  Registration sites.--The following apply:

14

(1)  An individual subject to [section 9795.1] this

15

subchapter shall register and submit to fingerprinting and

16

photographing [as required by this subchapter] at approved

17

registration sites.

18

(2)  An offender or sexually violent predator or other

19

individual required to register under this subchapter who is

20

subject to registration as a transient shall register in

21

accordance with section 9796.1 and submit to fingerprinting

22

and photographing at approved registration sites.

23

§ 9795.3.  Sentencing court information.

24

The sentencing court shall inform offenders and sexually

25

violent predators at the time of sentencing of the provisions of

26

this subchapter. The court shall:

27

(1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

28

predator of the duty to register and provide the information

29

required for each registration, including verification as

30

required in section 9796(a) (relating to verification of

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1

residence).

2

(2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

3

predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State Police

4

within [ten days] 48 hours if the offender or sexually

5

violent predator changes residence or establishes an

6

additional residence or residences, changes employer or

7

employment location for a period of time that will exceed 14

8

days or for an aggregate period of time that will exceed 30

9

days during any calendar year or terminates employment or

10

changes institution or location at which the person is

11

enrolled as a student or terminates enrollment.

12

(2.1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

13

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

14

Police within [ten days] 48 hours of becoming employed or

15

enrolled as a student if the person has not previously

16

provided that information to the Pennsylvania State Police.

17

(2.2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

18

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

19

Police within 48 hours of becoming a transient and to provide

20

the information required as a transient, if the offender or

21

sexually violent predator fails to maintain a residence.

22

(3)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

23

predator of the duty to register with a new law enforcement

24

agency if the offender or sexually violent predator moves to

25

another state no later than [ten days] 48 hours after

26

establishing residence in another state.

27

(4)  Order the fingerprints and photograph of the

28

offender or sexually violent predator to be provided to the

29

Pennsylvania State Police upon sentencing.

30

(5)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

- 17 -

 


1

predator of the duty to register with the appropriate

2

authorities in any state in which the offender or sexually

3

violent predator is a transient, is employed, carries on a

4

vocation or is a student if the state requires such

5

registration.

6

(6)  Require the offender or sexually violent predator to

7

read and sign a form stating that the duty to register under

8

this subchapter has been explained. Where the offender or

9

sexually violent predator is incapable of reading, the court

10

shall certify the duty to register was explained to the

11

offender or sexually violent predator and the offender or

12

sexually violent predator indicated an understanding of the

13

duty.

14

Section 5.  Section 9796(b) and (e) of Title 42 are amended

15

to read:

16

§ 9796.  Verification of residence.

17

* * *

18

(b)  Annual verification by offenders.--The Pennsylvania

19

State Police shall verify the residence of offenders. For the

20

period of registration required [by section 9795.1], an offender

21

shall appear within ten days before each annual anniversary date

22

of the offender's initial registration under former section 9793

23

(relating to registration of certain offenders for ten years) or 

24

section 9795.1 at an approved registration site to complete a

25

verification form and to be photographed.

26

* * *

27

(e)  Penalty.--An individual subject to registration under

28

former section 9793 or section 9795.1(a) or (b) who fails to

29

verify his residence or to be photographed as required by this

30

section may be subject to prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915 

- 18 -

 


1

(relating to failure to comply with registration of sexual

2

offenders requirements).

3

* * *

4

Section 6.  Title 42 is amended by adding a section to read:

5

§ 9796.1.  Registration of transients.

6

(a)  General rule.--An offender or sexually violent predator

7

or other individual required to register under this subchapter

8

or under former section 9793 (relating to registration of

9

certain offenders for ten years) who does not have a residence

10

shall register with the Pennsylvania State Police as a

11

transient.

12

(b)  Frequency of registration.--A transient shall appear

13

every 30 days at an approved registration site to register as a

14

transient, to complete a verification form and to be

15

photographed. The transient shall provide the following:

16

(1)  Places the transient sleeps, including a homeless

17

shelter or other temporary habitat. In addition, the

18

transient shall provide a list of places the transient eats,

19

frequents and engages in leisure activities, and any planned

20

destination, including those outside this Commonwealth. If

21

the transient changes or adds to the places listed under this

22

paragraph during a 30-day period, the transient shall list

23

these when re-registering as a transient during the next 30-

24

day period.

25

(2)  Where the transient receives mail, including a post

26

office box.

27

(3)  If the transient is also a sexually violent

28

predator, compliance with counseling as provided in section

29

9799.4 (relating to counseling of sexually violent

30

predators).

- 19 -

 


1

(c)  Duration of registration requirement.--The duty to

2

register at an approved registration site every 30 days shall

3

apply until the transient establishes a residence. In the event

4

the transient establishes a residence, the requirements of

5

registering under section 9796 (relating to verification of

6

residence) shall apply.

7

(d)  Failure to register as a transient.--Where a transient

8

fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the

9

Pennsylvania State Police shall immediately notify the municipal

10

police department of the transient's last known habitat. The

11

local municipal police shall locate the transient and arrest the

12

transient for violating this section. The Pennsylvania State

13

Police shall assume responsibility for locating and arresting

14

the transient in jurisdictions where no municipal police

15

jurisdiction exists. The Pennsylvania State Police shall assist

16

any municipal police department requesting assistance with

17

locating and arresting a transient who fails to comply with the

18

provisions of this section.

19

Section 7.  Sections 9797 and 9798(a)(1) and (c) of Title 42

20

are amended to read:

21

§ 9797.  Victim notification.

22

(a)  Duty to inform victim.--

23

(1)  Where the individual is determined to be a sexually

24

violent predator by a court under section 9795.4 (relating to

25

assessments), the local municipal police department or the

26

Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police

27

jurisdiction exists shall give written notice to the sexually

28

violent predator's victim when the sexually violent predator

29

registers initially and when he notifies the Pennsylvania

30

State Police of any change of residence or if the sexually

- 20 -

 


1

violent predator registers as a transient. This notice shall

2

be given within 72 hours after the sexually violent predator

3

registers or notifies the Pennsylvania State Police of a

4

change of address or registers as a transient. The notice

5

shall contain the sexually violent predator's name and the

6

address or addresses where he resides. If the sexually

7

violent predator registers as a transient, the Pennsylvania

8

State Police shall provide the information in section

9

9796.1(b)(1) (relating to registration of transient).

10

(2)  A victim may terminate the duty to inform set forth

11

in paragraph (1) by providing the local municipal police

12

department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no local

13

municipal police department exists with a written statement

14

releasing that agency from the duty to comply with this

15

section as it pertains to that victim.

16

(b)  Where an individual is not determined to be a sexually

17

violent predator.--Where an individual is not determined to be a

18

sexually violent predator by a court under section 9795.4, the

19

victim shall be notified in accordance with section 201 of the

20

act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime

21

Victims Act. This subsection includes the circumstance of an

22

offender registering as a transient.

23

§ 9798.  Other notification.

24

(a)  Notice by municipality's chief law enforcement

25

officer.--Notwithstanding any of the provisions of 18 Pa.C.S.

26

Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information), the

27

chief law enforcement officer of the full-time or part-time

28

police department of the municipality where a sexually violent

29

predator lives shall be responsible for providing written notice

30

as required under this section.

- 21 -

 


1

(1)  The notice shall contain:

2

(i)  The name of the convicted sexually violent

3

predator.

4

(ii)  The address or addresses at which he resides.

5

If, however, the sexually violent predator registers as a

6

transient, written notice under this subparagraph shall

7

be limited to that set forth in section 9796.1(b)(2)

8

(relating to registration of transients).

9

(iii)  The offense for which he was convicted,

10

sentenced by a court, adjudicated delinquent or court

11

martialed.

12

(iv)  A statement that he has been determined by

13

court order to be a sexually violent predator, which

14

determination has or has not been terminated as of a date

15

certain.

16

(v)  A photograph of the sexually violent predator,

17

if available.

18

* * *

19

(c)  Urgency of notification.--The municipal police

20

department's chief law enforcement officer shall provide notice

21

within the following time frames:

22

(1)  To neighbors, notice shall be provided within five

23

days after information of the sexually violent predator's

24

release date and residence has been received by the chief law

25

enforcement officer. If the sexually violent predator

26

registers as a transient, notice shall be provided within

27

five days after information of the transient's release date

28

and information under section 9796.1 have been received by

29

the chief law enforcement officer. Notwithstanding the

30

provisions of subsections (a) and (b), verbal notification

- 22 -

 


1

may be used if written notification would delay meeting this

2

time requirement.

3

(2)  To the persons specified in subsection (b)(2), (3),

4

(4) and (5), notice shall be provided within seven days after

5

the chief law enforcement officer receives information

6

regarding the sexually violent predator's release date and

7

residence. If the sexually violent predator registers as a

8

transient, notice shall be provided within seven days after

9

the chief law enforcement officer receives information

10

regarding the transient's release date and the information

11

required under section 9796.1.

12

* * *

13

Section 8.  Section 9798.1(a), (b) introductory paragraph and

14

(c) are amended and subsection (b) is amended by adding a

15

paragraph to read:

16

§ 9798.1.  Information made available on the Internet and

17

electronic notification.

18

(a)  Legislative findings.--It is hereby declared to be the

19

finding of the General Assembly that public safety will be

20

enhanced by making information about sexually violent predators,

21

lifetime registrants and other sex offenders available to the

22

public through the Internet and electronic notification.

23

Knowledge of whether a person is a sexually violent predator,

24

lifetime registrant or other sex offender could be a significant

25

factor in protecting oneself and one's family members, or those

26

in care of a group or community organization, from recidivist

27

acts by sexually violent predators, lifetime registrants and

28

other sex offenders. The technology afforded by the Internet and

29

electronic notification would make this information readily

30

accessible to parents and private entities, enabling them to

- 23 -

 


1

undertake appropriate remedial precautions to prevent or avoid

2

placing potential victims at risk. Public access to information

3

about sexually violent predators, lifetime registrants and other

4

sex offenders is intended solely as a means of public protection

5

and shall not be construed as punitive.

6

(b)  Internet posting of sexually violent predators, lifetime

7

registrants [and], other offenders and electronic

8

notification.--The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police

9

shall, in the manner and form directed by the Governor:

10

* * *

11

(7)  Notwithstanding 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to

12

criminal history record information), develop, implement and

13

maintain a process which allows members of the public to

14

receive electronic notification when an individual required

15

to register under this subchapter moves into or out of a

16

user-designated location.

17

(c)  Information permitted to be disclosed regarding

18

individuals.--Notwithstanding 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to

19

criminal history record information), the Internet website shall

20

contain the following information on each individual:

21

(1)  For sexually violent predators, the following

22

information shall be posted on the Internet website:

23

(i)  name and all known aliases;

24

(ii)  year of birth;

25

(iii)  the street address, municipality, county and

26

zip code of all residences, including, where applicable,

27

the name of the prison or other place of confinement;

28

(iv)  the street address, municipality, county, zip

29

code and name of any institution or location at which the

30

person is enrolled as a student;

- 24 -

 


1

(v)  the municipality, county and zip code of any

2

employment location;

3

(vi)  a photograph of the offender, which shall be

4

updated not less than annually;

5

(vii)  a physical description of the offender,

6

including sex, height, weight, eye color, hair color and

7

race;

8

(viii)  any identifying marks, including scars,

9

birthmarks and tattoos;

10

(ix)  the license plate number and description of any

11

vehicle owned or registered to the offender;

12

(x)  whether the offender is currently compliant with

13

registration requirements;

14

(xi)  whether the victim is a minor;

15

(xii)  a description of the offense or offenses which

16

triggered the application of this subchapter; [and]

17

(xiii)  the date of the offense and conviction, if

18

available; and

19

(xiv)  whether the sexually violent predator is

20

registered as a transient. If the sexually violent

21

predator is registered as a transient, the information in

22

section 9796.1(b)(2) (relating to registration of

23

transients) shall be provided in addition to the

24

information set forth in subsection (c)(1).

25

(2)  For all other lifetime registrants and offenders

26

subject to registration, the information set forth in

27

paragraph (1) shall be posted on the Internet website. If the

28

lifetime registrant or offender is registered as a transient,

29

the information provided in section 9796.1(b)(2) shall be

30

provided in addition to the information set forth in

- 25 -

 


1

subsection (c)(1).

2

* * *

3

Section 9.  Sections 9799.1(2) and (4) and 9799.9 of Title 42

4

are amended to read:

5

§ 9799.1.  Duties of Pennsylvania State Police.

6

The Pennsylvania State Police shall:

7

* * *

8

(2)  In consultation with the Department of Corrections,

9

the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Board of

10

Probation and Parole and the chairman and the minority

11

chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the

12

chairman and the minority chairman of the Judiciary Committee

13

of the House of Representatives, promulgate guidelines

14

necessary for the general administration of this subchapter.

15

These guidelines shall establish procedures to allow an

16

individual subject to the requirements of sections 9795.1

17

(relating to registration) [and], 9796 (relating to

18

verification of residence) and 9796.1 (relating to

19

registration of transients) to fulfill these requirements at

20

approved registration sites throughout this Commonwealth. The

21

Pennsylvania State Police shall publish a list of approved

22

registration sites in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and provide a

23

list of approved registration sites in any notices sent to

24

individuals required to register under section 9795.1. An

25

approved registration site shall be capable of submitting

26

fingerprints, photographs and any other information required

27

electronically to the Pennsylvania State Police. The

28

Pennsylvania State Police shall require that approved

29

registration sites submit fingerprints utilizing the

30

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or in

- 26 -

 


1

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

2

Police shall require. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

3

require that approved registration sites submit photographs

4

utilizing the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in

5

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

6

Police shall require. Approved registration sites shall not

7

be limited to sites managed by the Pennsylvania State Police

8

and shall include sites managed by local law enforcement

9

agencies that meet the criteria for approved registration

10

sites set forth in this paragraph.

11

* * *

12

(4)  Notify, within five days of receiving the offender's

13

or the sexually violent predator's registration, the chief

14

law enforcement officers of the police departments having

15

primary jurisdiction of the municipalities in which an

16

offender or sexually violent predator is registered as a

17

transient, resides, is employed or enrolled as a student of

18

the fact that the offender or sexually violent predator has

19

been registered with the Pennsylvania State Police pursuant

20

to sections 9795.2 (relating to registration procedures and

21

applicability) [and], 9796 [(relating to verification of

22

residence)] or section 9796.1.

23

* * *

24

§ 9799.9.  Photographs and fingerprinting.

25

An individual subject to former section 9793 (relating to

26

registration of certain offenders for ten years) or section

27

9795.1 (relating to registration) shall submit to fingerprinting

28

and photographing as required by this subchapter at approved

29

registration sites. Fingerprinting as required by this

30

subchapter shall, at a minimum, require submission of a full set

- 27 -

 


1

of fingerprints. Photographing as required by this subchapter

2

shall, at a minimum, require submission to photographs of the

3

face and any scars, marks, tattoos or other unique features of

4

the individual. Fingerprints and photographs obtained under this

5

subchapter may be maintained for use under this subchapter and

6

for general law enforcement purposes.

7

Section 10.  This act shall apply as follows:

8

(1)  The following provisions shall apply to individuals

9

incarcerated or convicted on or after the effective date of

10

this section:

11

(i)  The addition of the term "transient" in 42

12

Pa.C.S. § 9792.

13

(ii)  The addition of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a)(4), (b)

14

(5) and (d).

15

(iii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.2.

16

(iv)  The amendment or addition of 42 Pa.C.S. §

17

9795.3(2.2) and (5).

18

(v)  The addition of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796.1.

19

(vi)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9797.

20

(vii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798(a)(1) and

21

(c).

22

(viii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798.1(c).

23

(ix)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.1(4).

24

(2)  This act shall not affect the requirements for

25

individuals registered pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H

26

prior to the effective date of this section.

27

Section 11.  This act shall take effect as follows:

28

(1)  The following provisions shall take effect

29

immediately:

30

(i)  This section.

- 28 -

 


1

(ii)  The amendment of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a), (b) and

2

(c).

3

(iii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798.1(a) and

4

(b).

5

(2)  The remainder of this act shall take effect in 60

6

days.

  

- 29 -