Establishes the sex offender alert line to permit members of the public to request notification of the residence of a registered sex offender in certain zip codes

Title of bill

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to establishing the sex offender alert line

Purpose of bill

: To enhance the toll-free sex offender registry hotline to offer the option for a caller to receive telephone and/or email notification if a sex offender moves into their area.

Summary of provisions

: The legislation adds a new section 168-pp to the correction law that includes:

1. Establishes the toll-free Sex Offender Alert Line;

2. Such alerts may be automated by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS);

3. A preamble must be played when a caller utilizes the toll-free hotline;

4. The alert line shall receive calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

5. Upon a sex offender locating within one of the callers requested alert areas, attempts to contact the caller will be made during certain hours;

6. DCJS shall also provide an option on their website to sign up for the sex offender alert system;

7. Information provided by a person who wishes notification shall not be divulged to any person or entity.

Justification

: In an attempt to provide the community with up-to-date information, the sex offender alert line enhances the notification process to keep people informed. While many people try to keep themselves informed about sexual predators in their area, they may not have the time to check the registry on a more frequent basis. The sex offender alert line offers the chance for a caller to sign up and automatically receive an alert when a sex offender moves into their area, thus proactively notifying those who choose to be alerted.-

Legislative history

: New bill in the Senate.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

: This act shall take effect 180 days after it shall become law.