PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 836, 1710

PRINTER'S NO.  1895

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

SENATE BILL

 

No.

818

Session of

2011

  

  

INTRODUCED BY BAKER, YUDICHAK, ARGALL, BROWNE, COSTA, ERICKSON, FERLO, FONTANA, GREENLEAF, McILHINNEY, RAFFERTY, SMUCKER, WASHINGTON, WOZNIAK, YAW, PILEGGI, WILLIAMS AND FARNESE, MARCH 11, 2011

  

  

AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENTS, IN SENATE, JANUARY 17, 2012   

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the

2

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters,

3

providing for disposition information; in registration of

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sexual offenders, further providing for legislative findings

5

and declaration of policy, for definitions, for registration,

6

for registration procedures and applicability, for sentencing

7

court information, for verification of residence, for victim

8

notification, for other notification, for information made

9

available on the Internet and for duties of Pennsylvania

10

State Police; and making editorial changes further providing

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for disposition of delinquent child.

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The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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hereby enacts as follows:

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Section 1.  Section 6352 of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania

15

Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read:

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§ 6352.  Disposition of delinquent child.

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* * *

18

(c)  Required statement of reasons.--Prior to entering an

19

order of disposition under subsection (a), the court shall state 

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its disposition and the reasons for its disposition on the

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record in open court, together with the goals, terms and

 


1

conditions of that disposition. If the child is to be committed

2

to out-of-home placement, the court shall also state the name of

3

the specific facility, or type of facility, to which the child

4

will be committed and its findings and conclusions of law that

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formed the basis of its decision consistent with subsection (a)

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and section 6301, including the reasons why commitment to that

7

facility, or type of facility, was determined to be the least

8

restrictive placement that is consistent with the protection of

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the public interest and best suited to the child's treatment,

10

supervision, rehabilitation and welfare.

11

Section 2.  Section 9791 of Title 42 is amended to read:

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§ 9791.  Legislative findings and declaration of policy.

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(a)  Legislative findings.--It is hereby determined and

14

declared as a matter of legislative finding:

15

(1)  If the public is provided adequate notice and

16

information about sexually violent predators and certain

17

other offenders, including those sexually violent predators

18

and offenders who do not have a fixed place of habitation or

19

abode, the community can develop constructive plans to

20

prepare themselves and their children for the offender's

21

release. This allows communities to meet with law enforcement

22

to prepare and obtain information about the rights and

23

responsibilities of the community and to provide education

24

and counseling to their children.

25

(2)  These sexually violent predators pose a high risk of

26

engaging in further offenses even after being released from

27

incarceration or commitments and that protection of the

28

public from this type of offender is a paramount governmental

29

interest.

30

(3)  The penal and mental health components of our

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1

justice system are largely hidden from public view and lack

2

of information from either may result in failure of both

3

systems to meet this paramount concern of public safety.

4

(4)  Overly restrictive confidentiality and liability

5

laws governing the release of information about sexually

6

violent predators have reduced the willingness to release

7

information that could be appropriately released under the

8

public disclosure laws and have increased risks to public

9

safety.

10

(5)  Persons found to have committed such an offense have

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a reduced expectation of privacy because of the public's

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interest in public safety and in the effective operation of

13

government.

14

(6)  Release of information about sexually violent

15

predators to public agencies and the general public will

16

further the governmental interests of public safety and

17

public scrutiny of the criminal and mental health systems so

18

long as the information released is rationally related to the

19

furtherance of those goals.

20

[(b)  Declaration of policy.--It is hereby declared to be the

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intention of the General Assembly to protect the safety and

22

general welfare of the people of this Commonwealth by providing

23

for registration and community notification regarding sexually

24

violent predators who are about to be released from custody and

25

will live in or near their neighborhood. It is further declared

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to be the policy of this Commonwealth to require the exchange of

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relevant information about sexually violent predators among

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public agencies and officials and to authorize the release of

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necessary and relevant information about sexually violent

30

predators to members of the general public as a means of

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1

assuring public protection and shall not be construed as

2

punitive.]

3

(b)  Declaration of policy.--It is hereby declared to be the

4

intention of the General Assembly to:

5

(1)  Protect the safety and general welfare of the people

6

of this Commonwealth by providing for registration and

7

community notification regarding sexually violent predators

8

who are about to be released from custody and will live in or

9

near their neighborhood.

10

(2)  Require the exchange of relevant information about

11

sexually violent predators among public agencies and

12

officials and to authorize the release of necessary and

13

relevant information about sexually violent predators to

14

members of the general public as a means of assuring public

15

protection and shall not be construed as punitive.

16

(3)  Address the Superior Court's opinion in the case of

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Commonwealth v. Wilgus, 975 A.2d 1183 (2009) by requiring

18

offenders and sexually violent predators without a fixed

19

place of habitation or abode to register under this

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subchapter.

21

Section 3.  The definitions of "passive notification" and

22

"residence" in section 9792 of Title 42 are amended to read:

23

§ 9792.  Definitions.

24

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

25

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

26

context clearly indicates otherwise:

27

* * *

28

"Passive notification."  Notification pursuant to section

29

9798.1 (relating to information made available on the Internet

30

and electronic notification) or any process whereby persons,

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1

pursuant to the laws of the United States or one of its

2

territories or possessions, another state, the District of

3

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation,

4

are able to access information pertaining to an individual as a

5

result of the individual having been convicted or sentenced by a

6

court for an offense similar to an offense listed in section

7

9795.1 (relating to registration).

8

* * *

9

"Residence."  [A location where an individual resides or is

10

domiciled or intends to be domiciled for 30 consecutive days or

11

more during a calendar year.] With respect to an individual

12

required to register under this subchapter, any of the

13

following:

14

(1)  A location where an individual resides or is

15

domiciled or intends to be domiciled for 30 consecutive days

16

or more during a calendar year.

17

(2)  In the case of an individual who fails to establish

18

a residence as set forth in paragraph (1), a temporary

19

habitat or other temporary place of abode or dwelling,

20

including a homeless shelter or park, where the individual is

21

lodged.

22

* * *

23

Section 4.  Sections 9795.1(a) and (b), 9795.2(a)(2)(i), (b)

24

(4) introductory paragraph and (i) and (5) introductory

25

paragraph and (c)(1) and (3), 9795.3(2), (2.1) and (3) and

26

9795.5(a)(1) of Title 42 are amended to read:

27

§ 9795.1.  Registration.

28

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

29

be required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police for a

30

period of ten years:

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1

(1)  Individuals convicted of any of the following

2

offenses:

3

18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping) where the

4

victim is a minor.

5

18 Pa.C.S. § 2910 (relating to luring a child into a

6

motor vehicle or structure).

7

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.2 (relating to institutional sexual

8

assault).

9

18 Pa.C.S. § 3126 (relating to indecent assault)

10

where the offense is graded as a misdemeanor of the first

11

degree or higher.

12

18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest) where the

13

victim is 12 years of age or older but under 18 years of

14

age.

15

18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and

16

related offenses) where the actor promotes the

17

prostitution of a minor.

18

18 Pa.C.S. § 5903(a)(3), (4), (5) or (6) (relating to

19

obscene and other sexual materials and performances)

20

where the victim is a minor.

21

18 Pa.C.S. § 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of

22

children).

23

18 Pa.C.S. § 6318 (relating to unlawful contact with

24

minor).

25

18 Pa.C.S. § 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of

26

children).

27

(2)  Individuals convicted of an attempt, conspiracy or

28

solicitation to commit any of the offenses under paragraph

29

(1) or subsection (b)(2).

30

(3)  Individuals [currently residing] who currently have

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1

a residence in this Commonwealth who have been convicted of

2

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

3

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

4

territories or possessions, another state, the District of

5

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation

6

or under a former law of this Commonwealth.

7

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

8

be subject to lifetime registration:

9

(1)  An individual with two or more convictions of any of

10

the offenses set forth in subsection (a).

11

[(2)  Individuals convicted of any of the following

12

offenses:

13

18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to rape).

14

18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate

15

sexual intercourse).

16

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault).

17

18 Pa.C.S. § 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent

18

assault).

19

18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest) when the

20

victim is under 12 years of age.

21

(3)  Sexually violent predators.

22

(4)  Individuals currently residing in this Commonwealth

23

who have been convicted of offenses similar to the crimes

24

cited in paragraph (2) under the laws of the United States or

25

one of its territories or possessions, another state, the

26

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a

27

foreign nation or under a former law of this Commonwealth.]

28

(2)  Individuals convicted:

29

(i)  in this Commonwealth of the following offenses:

30

18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to rape).

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1

18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate

2

sexual intercourse).

3

18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault).

4

18 Pa.C.S. § 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent

5

assault).

6

18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest) when the

7

victim is under 12 years of age.

8

(ii)  of offenses similar to the crimes cited in

9

paragraph (2)(i) under the laws of the United States or

10

one of its territories or possessions, another state, the

11

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or

12

a foreign nation or under a former law of this

13

Commonwealth who currently reside in this Commonwealth.

14

(3)  Sexually violent predators.

15

* * *

16

§ 9795.2.  Registration procedures and applicability.

17

(a)  Registration.--

18

* * *

19

(2)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall

20

inform the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours of:

21

(i)  Any change of residence or establishment of an

22

additional residence or residences. In the case of an

23

individual who has a residence as defined in paragraph

24

(2) of the definition of "residence" set forth in section

25

9792 (relating to definitions), the individual shall

26

inform the Pennsylvania State Police of the following:

27

(A)  the location of a temporary habitat or other

28

temporary place of abode or dwelling, including a

29

homeless shelter or park, where the individual is

30

lodged;

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1

(B)  a list of places the individual eats,

2

frequents and engages in leisure activities and any

3

planned destinations, including those outside this

4

Commonwealth; and

5

(C)  the place the individual receives mail,

6

including a post office box.

7

The duty to provide the information set forth in this

8

subparagraph shall apply until the individual establishes

9

a residence as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition

10

of "residence" set forth in section 9792. If the

11

individual who has a residence as defined in paragraph

12

(2) of the definition of "residence" set forth in section

13

9792 changes or adds to the places listed in this

14

subparagraph during a 30-day period, the individual shall

15

list these when re-registering during the next 30-day

16

period.

17

* * *

18

(b)  Individuals convicted or sentenced by a court or

19

adjudicated delinquent in jurisdictions outside this

20

Commonwealth or sentenced by court martial.--

21

(4)  An individual who [resides] has a residence, is

22

employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who has

23

been convicted of or sentenced by a court or court martialed

24

for a sexually violent offense or a similar offense under the

25

laws of the United States or one of its territories or

26

possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the

27

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

28

required to register under a sexual offender statute in the

29

jurisdiction where convicted, sentenced or court martialed,

30

shall register at an approved registration site within 48

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1

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

2

provisions of this subchapter shall apply to the individual

3

as follows:

4

(i)  If the individual has been classified as a

5

sexually violent predator as defined in section 9792

6

(relating to definitions) or determined under the laws of

7

the other jurisdiction or by reason of court martial to

8

be subject to active notification and lifetime

9

registration on the basis of a statutorily authorized

10

administrative or judicial decision or on the basis of a

11

statute or administrative rule requiring active

12

notification and lifetime registration based solely on

13

the offense for which the individual was convicted,

14

sentenced or court martialed, the individual shall,

15

notwithstanding section 9792, be considered a sexually

16

violent predator and subject to lifetime registration

17

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

18

The individual shall also be subject to the provisions of

19

this section and sections 9796 (relating to verification

20

of residence), 9798 (relating to other notification) and

21

9798.1(c)(1) (relating to information made available on

22

the Internet and electronic notification), except that

23

the individual shall not be required to receive

24

counseling unless required to do so by the other

25

jurisdiction or by reason of court martial.

26

* * *

27

(5)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 63

28

(relating to juvenile matters) and except as provided in

29

paragraph (4), an individual who [resides] has a residence,

30

is employed or is a student in this Commonwealth and who is

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1

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

2

United States or one of its territories or possessions,

3

another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

4

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

5

adjudication shall register at an approved registration site

6

within 48 hours of the individual's arrival in this

7

Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply

8

to the individual as follows:

9

* * *

10

(c)  Registration information to local police.--

11

(1)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide the

12

information obtained under this section and sections 9795.3

13

(relating to sentencing court information) and 9796 (relating

14

to verification of residence) to the chief law enforcement

15

officers of the police departments of the municipalities in

16

which the individual will [reside,] establish a residence or 

17

be employed or enrolled as a student. In addition, the

18

Pennsylvania State Police shall provide this officer with the

19

address at which the individual will [reside,] establish a

20

residence or be employed or enrolled as a student following

21

his release from incarceration, parole or probation.

22

* * *

23

(3)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

24

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

25

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

26

paragraph (1) when they are in receipt of information

27

indicating that the individual will no longer [reside] have a

28

residence, be employed or be enrolled as a student in the

29

municipality.

30

* * *

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1

§ 9795.3.  Sentencing court information.

2

The sentencing court shall inform offenders and sexually

3

violent predators at the time of sentencing of the provisions of

4

this subchapter. The court shall:

5

* * *

6

(2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

7

predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State Police

8

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

9

violent predator changes residence or establishes an

10

additional residence or residences, changes employer or

11

employment location for a period of time that will exceed 14

12

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

13

days during any calendar year or terminates employment or

14

changes institution or location at which the person is

15

enrolled as a student or terminates enrollment. In order to

16

fulfill the requirements of this paragraph, the sentencing

17

court shall specifically inform the offender or sexually

18

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

19

Police of:

20

(i)  the location of a temporary habitat or other

21

temporary place of abode or dwelling, including a

22

homeless shelter or park, where the individual is lodged;

23

(ii)  the places the individual eats, frequents and

24

engages in leisure activities and any planned

25

destinations, including those outside this Commonwealth;

26

and

27

(iii)  the place the individual receives mail,

28

including a post office box,

29

if the individual fails to establish a residence as defined

30

in paragraph (1) of the definition of "residence" set forth

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1

in section 9792.

2

(2.1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

3

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

4

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

5

enrolled as a student if the person has not previously

6

provided that information to the Pennsylvania State Police.

7

(3)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

8

predator of the duty to register with a new law enforcement

9

agency if the offender or sexually violent predator moves to

10

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

11

establishing residence in another state.

12

* * *

13

§ 9795.5.  Exemption from certain notifications.

14

(a)  Lifetime registrants not classified as sexually violent

15

predators.--

16

(1)  An individual required to register under section

17

9795.1 (relating to registration) who is not a sexually

18

violent predator may petition the sentencing court to be

19

exempt from the application of section 9798.1 (relating to

20

information made available on the Internet and electronic

21

notification) provided no less than 20 years have passed

22

since the individual has been convicted in this or any other

23

jurisdiction of any offense punishable by imprisonment for

24

more than one year, or the individual's release from custody

25

following the individual's most recent conviction for any

26

such offense, whichever is later.

27

* * *

28

Section 5.  Section 9796(d) and (f) of Title 42 are amended

29

and the section is amended by adding subsections to read:

30

§ 9796.  Verification of residence.

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1

* * *

2

(b.2)  Monthly verification by individuals with temporary

3

habitats located within this Commonwealth.--The Pennsylvania

4

State Police shall verify the residence of individuals required

5

to register under this subchapter who have a residence as

6

defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "residence" set

7

forth in section 9792 (relating to definitions) every 30 days

8

through the use of a nonforwardable verification form to the

9

last reported location where the individual receives mail. The

10

individual shall appear every 30 days at an approved

11

registration site to complete a verification form and to be

12

photographed. The individual shall appear within 48 hours of the

13

date designated by the Pennsylvania State Police.

14

(b.3)  Facilitation of monthly verification.--The

15

Pennsylvania State Police shall facilitate and administer the

16

verification process required by subsection (b.2) by:

17

(1)  sending a notice by first class United States mail

18

to an individual required to register under this subchapter

19

who has a residence as defined in paragraph (2) of the

20

definition of "residence" set forth in section 9792 at the

21

last reported location where the individual receives mail.

22

This notice shall be sent not more than ten days nor less

23

than five days prior to each of the monthly verification

24

periods and shall remind the individual of the monthly

25

verification requirement and provide a list of approved

26

registration sites; and

27

(2)  providing verification and compliance forms as

28

necessary to each approved registration site.

29

* * *

30

(d)  Failure to provide verification.--Where an offender or

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1

sexually violent predator fails to provide verification of

2

residence defined in paragraph (1) of the definition of

3

"residence" set forth in section 9792 within the ten-day period

4

or the 48-hour period in the case of an offender or sexually

5

violent predator who has a residence as defined in paragraph (2)

6

of the definition of "residence" set forth in section 9792, as

7

set forth in this section, the Pennsylvania State Police shall

8

immediately notify the municipal police department of the

9

offender's or the sexually violent predator's last verified

10

residence. The local municipal police shall locate the offender

11

or sexually violent predator and arrest him for violating this

12

section. The Pennsylvania State Police shall assume

13

responsibility for locating the offender or sexually violent

14

predator and arresting him in jurisdictions where no municipal

15

police jurisdiction exists. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

16

assist any municipal police department requesting assistance

17

with locating and arresting an offender or sexually violent

18

predator who fails to verify his residence.

19

* * *

20

(f)  Effect of notice.--Neither failure on the part of the

21

Pennsylvania State Police to send nor failure of a sexually

22

violent predator or offender to receive any notice or

23

information under subsection (a.1) [or (b.1)], (b.1) or (b.3) 

24

shall relieve that predator or offender from the requirements of

25

this subchapter.

26

Section 6.  Sections 9797, 9798(a)(1)(ii) and (b), 9798.1 and

27

9799.1(2) and (4) of Title 42 are amended to read:

28

§ 9797.  Victim notification.

29

(a)  Duty to inform victim.--

30

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

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1

violent predator by a court under section 9795.4 (relating to

2

assessments), the local municipal police department or the

3

Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police

4

jurisdiction exists shall give written notice to the sexually

5

violent predator's victim when the sexually violent predator

6

registers initially and when he notifies the Pennsylvania

7

State Police of any change of residence. [This] In the case

8

of a sexually violent predator who has a residence as defined

9

in paragraph (1) of the definition of "residence" set forth

10

in section 9792 (relating to definitions), notice shall be

11

given within 72 hours after the sexually violent predator

12

registers or notifies the Pennsylvania State Police of a

13

change of address. The notice shall contain the sexually

14

violent predator's name and the address or addresses where

15

[he resides.] the individual has a residence. In the case of

16

a sexually violent predator who has a residence as defined in

17

paragraph (2) of the definition of "residence" set forth in

18

section 9792, the notice shall contain the sexually violent

19

predator's name and the information set forth in section

20

9795.2(a)(2)(i)(A) and (B) (relating to registration

21

procedures and applicability). The notice shall be given to

22

the victim within 72 hours after the sexually violent

23

predator registers or notifies the Pennsylvania State Police

24

of a change of residence.

25

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

26

in paragraph (1) by providing the local municipal police

27

department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no local

28

municipal police department exists with a written statement

29

releasing that agency from the duty to comply with this

30

section as it pertains to that victim.

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1

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

2

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

3

sexually violent predator by a court under section 9795.4, the

4

victim shall be notified in accordance with section 201 of the

5

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

6

Victims Act. This subsection includes the circumstance of an

7

offender having a residence as defined in paragraph (2) of the

8

definition of "residence" set forth in section 9792.

9

§ 9798.  Other notification.

10

(a)  Notice by municipality's chief law enforcement

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

police department of the municipality where a sexually violent

15

predator lives shall be responsible for providing written notice

16

as required under this section.

17

(1)  The notice shall contain:

18

* * *

19

(ii)  The address or addresses at which [he resides] 

20

the sexually violent predator has a residence. If,

21

however, the sexually violent predator has a residence as

22

defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "residence"

23

set forth in section 9792 (relating to definitions), the

24

notice shall be limited to that set forth in section

25

9795.2(a)(2)(i)(C) (relating to registration procedures

26

and applicability).

27

* * *

28

(b)  To whom written notice is provided.--The chief law

29

enforcement officer shall provide written notice, under

30

subsection (a), to the following persons:

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1

(1)  Neighbors of the sexually violent predator. As used

2

in this paragraph, where the sexually violent predator lives

3

in a common interest community, the term "neighbor" includes

4

the unit owners' association and residents of the common

5

interest community.

6

(2)  The director of the county children and youth

7

service agency of the county where the sexually violent

8

predator [resides] has a residence.

9

(3)  The superintendent of each school district and the

10

equivalent official for private and parochial schools

11

enrolling students up through grade 12 in the municipality

12

where the sexually violent predator [resides] has a

13

residence.

14

(3.1)  The superintendent of each school district and the

15

equivalent official for each private and parochial school

16

located within a one-mile radius of where the sexually

17

violent predator [resides] has a residence.

18

(4)  The licensee of each certified day care center and

19

licensed preschool program and owner/operator of each

20

registered family day care home in the municipality where the

21

sexually violent predator [resides] has a residence.

22

(5)  The president of each college, university and

23

community college located within 1,000 feet of a sexually

24

violent predator's residence.

25

* * *

26

§ 9798.1.  Information made available on the Internet and

27

electronic notification.

28

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

29

finding of the General Assembly that public safety will be

30

enhanced by making information about sexually violent predators,

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1

lifetime registrants and other sex offenders available to the

2

public through the Internet and electronic notification.

3

Knowledge of whether a person is a sexually violent predator,

4

lifetime registrant or other sex offender could be a significant

5

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

6

in care of a group or community organization, from recidivist

7

acts by sexually violent predators, lifetime registrants and

8

other sex offenders. The technology afforded by the Internet and

9

electronic notification would make this information readily

10

accessible to parents and private entities, enabling them to

11

undertake appropriate remedial precautions to prevent or avoid

12

placing potential victims at risk. Public access to information

13

about sexually violent predators, lifetime registrants and other

14

sex offenders is intended solely as a means of public protection

15

and shall not be construed as punitive.

16

(b)  Internet posting of sexually violent predators, lifetime

17

registrants [and], other offenders and electronic

18

notification.--The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police

19

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

20

(1)  Develop and maintain a system for making the

21

information described in subsection (c) publicly available by

22

electronic means so that the public may, without limitation,

23

obtain access to the information via an Internet website to

24

view an individual record or the records of all sexually

25

violent predators, lifetime registrants and other offenders

26

who are registered with the Pennsylvania State Police.

27

(2)  Ensure that the Internet website contains warnings

28

that any person who uses the information contained therein to

29

threaten, intimidate or harass another or who otherwise

30

misuses that information may be criminally prosecuted.

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1

(3)  Ensure that the Internet website contains an

2

explanation of its limitations, including statements advising

3

that a positive identification of a sexually violent

4

predator, lifetime registrant or other offender whose record

5

has been made available may be confirmed only by

6

fingerprints; that some information contained on the Internet

7

website may be outdated or inaccurate; and that the Internet

8

website is not a comprehensive listing of every person who

9

has ever committed a sex offense in Pennsylvania.

10

(4)  Strive to ensure that:

11

(i)  the information contained on the Internet

12

website is accurate;

13

(ii)  the data therein is revised and updated as

14

appropriate in a timely and efficient manner; and

15

(iii)  instructions are included on how to seek

16

correction of information which a person contends is

17

erroneous.

18

(5)  Provide on the Internet website general information

19

designed to inform and educate the public about sex offenders

20

and sexually violent predators and the operation of this

21

subchapter as well as pertinent and appropriate information

22

concerning crime prevention and personal safety, with

23

appropriate links to other relevant Internet websites

24

operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

25

(6)  Identify when the victim is a minor with a special

26

designation. The identity of a victim of a sex offense shall

27

not be published or posted on the Internet website.

28

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

29

criminal history record information), develop, implement and

30

maintain a process which allows members of the public to

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1

receive electronic notification when an individual required

2

to register under this subchapter moves into or out of a

3

user-designated location.

4

(c)  Information permitted to be disclosed regarding

5

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

6

criminal history record information), the Internet website shall

7

contain the following information on each individual:

8

(1)  For sexually violent predators, the following

9

information shall be posted on the Internet website:

10

(i)  name and all known aliases;

11

(ii)  year of birth;

12

(iii)  in the case of an individual who has a

13

residence as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition

14

of "residence" set forth in section 9792 (relating to

15

definitions), the street address, municipality, county

16

and zip code of all residences, including, where

17

applicable, the name of the prison or other place of

18

confinement;

19

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

20

code and name of any institution or location at which the

21

person is enrolled as a student;

22

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

23

employment location;

24

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

25

updated not less than annually;

26

(vii)  a physical description of the offender,

27

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

28

race;

29

(viii)  any identifying marks, including scars,

30

birthmarks and tattoos;

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1

(ix)  the license plate number and description of any

2

vehicle owned or registered to the offender;

3

(x)  whether the offender is currently compliant with

4

registration requirements;

5

(xi)  whether the victim is a minor;

6

(xii)  a description of the offense or offenses which

7

triggered the application of this subchapter; [and]

8

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

9

available; and

10

(xiv)  in the case of an individual who has a

11

residence as defined in paragraph (2) of the definition

12

of "residence" set forth in section 9792, the information

13

listed in section 9795.2(a)(2)(i)(C) (relating to

14

registration procedures and applicability), including,

15

where applicable, the name of the prison or other place

16

of confinement.

17

(2)  For all other lifetime registrants and offenders

18

subject to registration, the information set forth in

19

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

20

(d)  Duration of Internet posting.--

21

(1)  The information listed in subsection (c) about a

22

sexually violent predator shall be made available on the

23

Internet for the lifetime of the sexually violent predator.

24

(2)  The information listed in subsection (c) about an

25

offender who is subject to lifetime registration shall be

26

made available on the Internet for the lifetime of the

27

offender unless the offender is granted relief under section

28

9795.5 (relating to exemption from certain notifications).

29

(3)  The information listed in subsection (c) about any

30

other offender subject to registration shall be made

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1

available on the Internet for the entire period during which

2

the offender is required to register, including any extension

3

of this period pursuant to 9795.2(a)(3) (relating to

4

registration procedures and applicability).

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 verification

18

of residence) to fulfill these requirements at approved

19

registration sites throughout this Commonwealth. This

20

paragraph includes the duty to establish procedures to allow

21

an individual who has a residence as defined in paragraph (2)

22

of the definition of "residence" set forth in section 9792

23

(relating to definitions) to fulfill the requirements

24

regarding registration at approved registration sites

25

throughout this Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania State Police

26

shall publish a list of approved registration sites in the

27

Pennsylvania Bulletin and provide a list of approved

28

registration sites in any notices sent to individuals

29

required to register under section 9795.1. An approved

30

registration site shall be capable of submitting

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1

fingerprints, photographs and any other information required

2

electronically to the Pennsylvania State Police. The

3

Pennsylvania State Police shall require that approved

4

registration sites submit fingerprints utilizing the

5

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or in

6

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

7

Police shall require. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

8

require that approved registration sites submit photographs

9

utilizing the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in

10

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

11

Police shall require. Approved registration sites shall not

12

be limited to sites managed by the Pennsylvania State Police

13

and shall include sites managed by local law enforcement

14

agencies that meet the criteria for approved registration

15

sites set forth in this paragraph.

16

* * *

17

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

18

or the sexually violent predator's registration, the chief

19

law enforcement officers of the police departments having

20

primary jurisdiction of the municipalities in which an

21

offender or sexually violent predator [resides] has a

22

residence, is employed or enrolled as a student of the fact

23

that the offender or sexually violent predator has been

24

registered with the Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to

25

sections 9795.2 (relating to registration procedures and

26

applicability) and 9796 (relating to verification of

27

residence).

28

* * *

29

Section 7.  This act shall apply as follows:

30

(1)  The following provisions shall apply to individuals

- 24 -

 


1

incarcerated on or after the effective date of this section:

2

(i)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9791.

3

(ii)  The amendment of the definition of "residence"

4

in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9792.

5

(iii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) and

6

(b).

7

(iv)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.2(a)(2)(i),

8

(b)(4) introductory paragraph and (i) and (5)

9

introductory paragraph and (c)(1) and (3).

10

(v)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.3(2), (2.1)

11

and (3).

12

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

13

9796(b.2), (b.3), (d) and (f).

14

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

15

(viii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798(a)(1)(ii)

16

and (b).

17

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

18

(x)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.1(2) and (4).

19

(2)  This act shall not affect the requirements for

20

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

21

prior to the effective date of this section.

22

Section 8.  This act shall take effect as follows:

23

(1)  The following provisions shall take effect

24

immediately:

25

(i)  This section.

26

(ii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9791.

27

(iii)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) and

28

(b).

29

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

30

(b)(7).

- 25 -

 


1

(v)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.1(2).

2

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

3

days.

4

Section 2.  This act shall take effect immediately.

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