What's happening
This bill requires annual mail delivery of the names and addresses of all level two and three sex offenders to every adult resident in each county.
Why it matters
Significantly expands public notification. by requiring the government to proactively send the names and addresses of all level two and three sex offenders, not just making the information available upon request or online. This could lead to broader public awareness, including for individuals who may not otherwise seek out this information.
Raises privacy and safety considerations. for offenders, as their full names and addresses would be distributed directly to every adult in their county, potentially increasing the risk of harassment, vigilantism, or difficulties with housing and employment.
May impact community dynamics and perceptions of safety. by ensuring all adult residents receive annual updates about sex offenders in their area, which could influence public attitudes, community relations, and even property values.
Creates logistical and cost implications. for the Division of Criminal Justice Services, which would need to mail potentially thousands or millions of notices annually, raising questions about government spending and administrative burden.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Mail Sex Offender Lists
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2616
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 28, 2019
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to requiring the division of criminal justice services to provide the name and address of each level two and level three sex offender to each adult resident residing in the county in which such sex offender resides
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision 6 of section 168-l of the correction law, paragraph (b) as amended by chapter 513 of the laws of 2011 and paragraph (c) as separately amended by chapters 318 and 680 of the laws of 2005, are amended to read as follows:
(b) If the risk of repeat offense is moderate, a level two designation shall be given to such sex offender. In such case the law enforcement agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his or her conviction shall be notified and may disseminate relevant information which shall include a photograph and description of the offender and which may include the exact name and any aliases used by the sex offender, exact address, background information including the offender's crime of conviction, mode of operation, type of victim targeted, the name and address of any institution of higher education at which the sex offender is enrolled, attends, is employed or resides and the description of special conditions imposed on the offender to any entity with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the offense committed by such sex offender. Any entity receiving information on a sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at its discretion. In addition, in such case, the information described herein shall also be provided in the subdirectory established in this article and notwithstanding any other provision of law, such information shall, upon
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07376-01-9
S. 2616 2
request, be made available to the public. Provided, further, that the division shall, on or before February fifteenth each year, provide and deliver, by mail, to each adult resident of each county, a list of the name and address of every sex offender residing in such county.
Such law enforcement agencies shall compile, maintain and update a listing of vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction. Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in disseminating such information on level two sex offenders pursuant to this paragraph. Such listing shall include and not be limited to: superintendents of schools or chief school administrators, superintendents of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school bus transportation companies, day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, neighborhood watch groups, community centers, civic associations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
(c) If the risk of repeat offense is high and there exists a threat to the public safety a level three designation shall be given to such sex offender. In such case, the law enforcement agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his or her conviction shall be notified and may disseminate relevant information which shall include a photograph and description of the offender and which may include the sex offender's exact name and any aliases used by the offender, exact address, address of the offender's place of employment, background information including the offender's crime of conviction, mode of operation, type of victim targeted, the name and address of any institution of higher education at which the sex offender is enrolled, attends, is employed or resides and the description of special conditions imposed on the offender to any entity with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the offense committed by such sex offender. Any entity receiving information on a sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at its discretion. In addition, in such case, the information described herein shall also be provided in the subdirectory established in this article and notwithstanding any other provision of law, such information shall, upon request, be made available to the public. Provided, further, that the division shall, on or before February fifteenth each year, provide and deliver, by mail, to each adult resident of each county, a list of the name and address of every sex offender residing in such county.
Such law enforcement agencies shall compile, maintain and update a listing of vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction. Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in disseminating such information on level three sex offenders pursuant to this paragraph. Such listing shall include and not be limited to: superintendents of schools or chief school administrators, superintendents of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school bus transportation companies, day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, neighborhood watch groups, community centers, civic associations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to requiring the divi- sion of criminal justice services to provide the name and address of each level two and level three sex offender to each adult resident residing in the county in which such sex offender resides
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services to annually provide a list of all level 2 and 3 sex offenders residing in a county, to òthe residents of such county.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 amends paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision 6 of section 168-1 of the correction law, paragraph (b) as amended by chapter 513 of the laws of 2011 and paragraph (c) as separately amended by chapters 318 and 680 of the laws of 2005.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
Notification provisions of New York States sex offender laws must be revised to ensure that the public is aware where they reside. This meas- ure would require Division of Criminal Justice Services to annually provide to all county residents a list of all level 2 and 3 sex offen- ders residing in their county. This bill will enhance public protection and raise awareness of county residents about individuals who may be residing in their neighborhoods who have committed sex crimes.
Prior legislative history
2018: S.6205 - Referred to Crime Victims, Crime & Correction 2017: S.6205 - Referred to Crime Victims, Crime & Correction 2016: S.8050 - Referred to Rules
Fiscal implications
Undetermined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect January 1.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.