Bill Text: PA HB331 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Further providing for definitions, for registration of sexual offenders and for sentence for failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 17-9)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-01-31 - Referred to JUDICIARY [HB331 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2011-HB331-Introduced.html

  

 

    

PRINTER'S NO.  286

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

331

Session of

2011

  

  

INTRODUCED BY D. O'BRIEN, BAKER, BARRAR, BRENNAN, CLYMER, CUTLER, DePASQUALE, FABRIZIO, FREEMAN, GEORGE, HARHAI, HESS, KAUFFMAN, KORTZ, LONGIETTI, MILLARD, MURT, PASHINSKI, REICHLEY, ROAE, SCAVELLO, SCHRODER, SONNEY, SWANGER AND VULAKOVICH, JANUARY 31, 2011

  

  

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, JANUARY 31, 2011  

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

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

2

Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

3

Statutes, further providing for definitions, for registration

4

of sexual offenders and for sentence for failure to comply

5

with registration of sexual offenders.

6

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

7

hereby enacts as follows:

8

Section 1.  Section 4501 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania

9

Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions to read:

10

§ 4501.  Definitions.

11

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

12

provisions of this article which are applicable to specific

13

chapters or other provisions of this article, the following

14

words and phrases, when used in this article shall have, unless

15

the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to

16

them in this section:

17

* * *

18

"Habitual locale."  As defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9792 (relating

 


1

to definitions).

2

* * *

3

"Registration information."  As defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9792

4

(relating to definitions).

5

"Sex offender registration law."  As defined in 42 Pa.C.S. §

6

9792 (relating to definitions).

7

Section 2.  Section 4915(a) introductory paragraph, (2) and

8

(3), (b), (c) and (e)(3)(ii) of Title 18 are amended and

9

subsections (a) and (c) are amended by adding paragraphs to

10

read:

11

§ 4915.  Failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders

12

requirements.

13

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

14

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

15

registration) or [an individual who is subject to registration

16

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

17

registration under former 42 Pa.C.S § 9793 (relating to

18

registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an

19

offense if he knowingly fails to:

20

* * *

21

(2)  verify his [address] registration information or be

22

photographed as required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796 (relating to

23

verification of [residence] registration information); [or]

24

(3)  provide accurate information when registering,

25

verifying or updating registration information under 42

26

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

27

9796; or

28

(4)  comply with any sexual offender counseling

29

conditions imposed by 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.4 (relating to

30

counseling of sexually violent predators) as a result of

- 2 -

 


1

being designated a sexually violent predator or imposed under

2

a sex offender registration statute following conviction in

3

another jurisdiction.

4

(b)  Grading for offenders [who must register for ten years] 

5

without lifetime registration.--

6

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

7

subject to registration under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or (a.1)

8

or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793, and required to register as an

9

offender for a period of time less than lifetime, who commits

10

a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2) commits a felony of

11

the third degree.

12

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

13

Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or (a.1) or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793, and

14

required to register as an offender for a period of time less

15

than lifetime, who commits a violation of subsection (a)(1)

16

or (2) and who has previously been convicted of an offense

17

under subsection (a)(1) or (2) or a similar offense commits a

18

felony of the second degree.

19

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

20

Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(a) or (a.1) or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793, and

21

required to register as an offender for a period of time less

22

than lifetime, who violates subsection (a)(3) commits a

23

felony of the second degree.

24

(c)  Grading for sexually violent predators and others with

25

lifetime registration.--

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

to register as a sexually violent predator or as an offender

30

for life, who commits a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2)

- 3 -

 


1

commits a felony of the second degree.

2

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

3

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

4

Pa.C.S. § 9793, and required to register as a sexually

5

violent predator or as an offender for life, who commits a

6

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

7

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

8

or a similar offense commits a felony of the first degree.

9

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

10

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

11

Pa.C.S. § 9793, and required to register as a sexually

12

violent predator or as an offender for life, who violates

13

subsection (a)(3) commits a felony of the first degree.

14

(5)  An individual subject to registration under 42

15

Pa.C.S. § 9795.1(b) and required to register as a sexually

16

violent predator who violates subsection (a)(4) commits a

17

felony of the third degree.

18

* * *

19

(e)  Arrests for violation.--

20

* * *

21

(3)  Prior to admitting an individual arrested for a

22

violation of this section to bail, the issuing authority

23

shall require all of the following:

24

* * *

25

(ii)  The individual must provide the Pennsylvania

26

State Police with all current or intended residences, all

27

habitual locales, all information concerning current or

28

intended employment, including all employment locations,

29

and all information concerning current or intended

30

enrollment as a student.

- 4 -

 


1

* * *

2

Section 2.1.  Section 9718.3(a) of Title 42 is amended to

3

read:

4

§ 9718.3.  Sentence for failure to comply with registration of

5

sexual offenders.

6

(a)  Mandatory sentence.--Mandatory sentencing shall be as

7

follows:

8

(1)  Sentencing upon conviction for a first offense shall

9

be as follows:

10

(i)  Not less than two years for an individual who:

11

(A)  was subject to registration under section

12

9795.1(a) or (a.1) (relating to registration), former

13

section 9793 (relating to registration of certain

14

offenders for ten years) or a similar provision from

15

another jurisdiction; and

16

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(1) [or], (2)

17

or (4) (relating to failure to comply with

18

registration of sexual offenders requirements).

19

(ii)  Not less than three years for an individual

20

who:

21

(A)  was subject to registration under section

22

9795.1(a) or (a.1), former section 9793 or a similar

23

provision from another jurisdiction; and

24

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(3).

25

(iii)  Not less than three years for an individual

26

who:

27

(A)  was subject to registration under section 

28

9795.1(b) or a similar provision from another

29

jurisdiction; and

30

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(1) [or], (2)

- 5 -

 


1

or (4).

2

(iv)  Not less than five years for an individual who:

3

(A)  was subject to registration under section

4

9795.1(b) or a similar provision from another

5

jurisdiction; and

6

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(3).

7

(2)  Sentencing upon conviction for a second or

8

subsequent offense shall be as follows:

9

(i)  Not less than five years for an individual who:

10

(A)  was subject to registration under section

11

9795.1, former section 9793 or a similar provision

12

from another jurisdiction; and

13

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(1) [or], (2)

14

or (4).

15

(ii)  Not less than seven years for an individual

16

who:

17

(A)  was subject to registration under section

18

9795.1, former section 9793 or a similar provision

19

from another jurisdiction; and

20

(B)  violated 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915(a)(3).

21

* * *

22

Section 3.  The definitions of "active notification,"

23

"approved registration site," "employed," "offender," "passive

24

notification," "residence" and "sexually violent predator" in

25

section 9792 of Title 42 are amended and the section is amended

26

by adding definitions to read:

27

§ 9792.  Definitions.

28

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

29

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

30

context clearly indicates otherwise:

- 6 -

 


1

"Active notification."  Notification pursuant to section 9798

2

(relating to other notification) or any process whereby law

3

enforcement, pursuant to the laws of the United States or one of

4

its territories or possessions, another state, the District of

5

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

6

notifies persons in the community in which the individual

7

resides or has a habitual locale, including any person

8

identified in section 9798(b), of the residence, habitual

9

locale, employment or school location of the individual.

10

"Approved registration site"  A site in this Commonwealth

11

approved by the Pennsylvania State Police as required by section

12

9799.1(2) (relating to [duties of] Pennsylvania State Police):

13

(1)  at which individuals subject to this subchapter may

14

register, verify information or be fingerprinted or

15

photographed as required by this subchapter;

16

(2)  which is capable of submitting fingerprints

17

utilizing the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification

18

System or in another manner and in such form as the

19

Pennsylvania State Police shall require; and

20

(3)  which is capable of submitting photographs utilizing

21

the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in another manner

22

and in such form as the Pennsylvania State Police shall

23

require.

24

* * *

25

"Employed."  Includes a vocation or employment that is full-

26

time or part-time for a period of time exceeding [14] four days

27

during a seven-day period or for an aggregate period of time

28

exceeding [30] 14 days during any calendar year, whether

29

financially compensated, volunteered, pursuant to a contract or

30

for the purpose of government or educational benefit.

- 7 -

 


1

"Habitual locale."  A place where a transient can be located.

2

The term includes locations a transient frequents during the day

3

and night, such as parks, public buildings, restaurants and

4

libraries.

5

* * *

6

"Offender."  An individual required to register under section

7

9795.1(a), (a.1), (b)(1) or (2) (relating to registration) or

8

under former section 9793 (relating to registration of certain

9

offenders for ten years). The term includes an individual

10

considered to be an offender under section 9795.2(b) (relating

11

to registration procedures and applicability).

12

"Passive notification."  Notification pursuant to section

13

9798.1 (relating to information made available on the Internet

14

and electronic notification) or any process whereby persons,

15

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

16

territories or possessions, another state, the District of

17

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

18

are able to access information pertaining to an individual [as a

19

result of the individual having been convicted or sentenced by a

20

court for an offense similar to an offense listed in section

21

9795.1 (relating to registration)] under a sex offender

22

registration law in that jurisdiction. The term includes a

23

situation in which an individual is required to register under a

24

sex offender registration law in the jurisdiction where

25

convicted, sentenced, court martialed or adjudicated as a

26

juvenile and where access to that registration information is

27

limited to law enforcement only.

28

* * *

29

"Registration information."  Information required under this

30

subchapter to be provided to the Pennsylvania State Police by an

- 8 -

 


1

offender or a sexually violent predator.

2

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

3

domiciled or intends to be domiciled for 30 [consecutive] 

4

cumulative days or more during a calendar year.

5

"Sex offender registration law."  Any of the following:

6

(1)  This subchapter.

7

(2)  A law in another jurisdiction which requires an

8

individual to register with a sex offender registry following

9

conviction or adjudication.

10

* * *

11

"Sexually violent predator."  A person who has been convicted

12

of a sexually violent offense as set forth in section 9795.1

13

(relating to registration) and who is determined to be a

14

sexually violent predator under section 9795.4 (relating to

15

assessments) due to a mental abnormality or personality disorder

16

that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually

17

violent offenses. The term includes:

18

(1)  an individual determined to be a sexually violent

19

predator where the determination occurred in the United

20

States or one of its territories or possessions, another

21

state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto

22

Rico, a foreign nation or by court martial; and

23

(2)  an individual considered to be a sexually violent

24

predator under section 9795.2(b) (relating to registration

25

procedures and applicability).

26

* * *

27

"Transient."  An individual subject to registration under

28

this subchapter who does not have a residence and is present in

29

this Commonwealth for seven or more consecutive days. The term

30

includes an individual considered to be a transient under

- 9 -

 


1

section 9795.2(a)(1) (relating to registration procedures and

2

applicability).

3

Section 4.  Section 9795.1(a) introductory paragraph of Title

4

42 is amended, subsection (b) is amended by adding a paragraph

5

and the section is amended by adding subsections to read:

6

§ 9795.1.  Registration.

7

(a)  Ten-year registration.--[The] Except as set forth in

8

subsection (a.1) or (b), the following individuals shall be

9

required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police for a

10

period of ten years:

11

* * *

12

(a.1)  Exception to ten-year registration.--Except as

13

provided under subsection (b), an individual considered to be an

14

offender pursuant to section 9795.2(b) (relating to registration

15

procedures and applicability) shall be required to register with

16

the Pennsylvania State Police for a period less than life, the

17

duration of which is to be determined under section 9795.2(b).

18

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

19

be subject to lifetime registration:

20

* * *

21

(5)  An individual who is considered to be a sexually

22

violent predator under section 9795.2(b) or who is otherwise

23

required to register for life under section 9795.2(b).

24

* * *

25

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

26

individual required to register under this subchapter does not

27

have a residence shall not relieve the individual from the duty

28

to register or any other duty imposed by this subchapter.

29

Section 5.  Section 9795.2(a)(1), (2) introductory paragraph,

30

(i), (ii) and (iv), (2.1), (3) and (4)(i), (b)(4) introductory

- 10 -

 


1

paragraph and (5) introductory paragraph, (c), (d) and (e) of

2

Title 42 are amended, subsection (a) is amended by adding a

3

paragraph and subsection (a)(2) is amended by adding

4

subparagraphs to read:

5

§ 9795.2.  Registration procedures and applicability.

6

(a)  Registration.--

7

(1)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall be

8

required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police upon

9

release from incarceration, upon parole from a Federal, State

10

[or], county, municipal or private correctional [institution] 

11

facility or upon the commencement of a sentence of

12

intermediate punishment or probation or any other sentence of

13

nonconfinement. For purposes of registration, offenders and

14

sexually violent predators shall provide the Pennsylvania

15

State Police with all current or intended residences[,]; all

16

information concerning current or intended employment [and]; 

17

all information concerning current or intended enrollment as

18

a student[.]; and all information concerning vehicles owned

19

by, or registered to, the offender or sexually violent

20

predator. An offender or sexually violent predator who does

21

not have a current or intended residence shall be considered

22

a transient. An offender or sexually violent predator who

23

provides an intended residence shall be considered a

24

transient if the offender or sexually violent predator is not

25

living at the registered intended residence within seven days

26

following the date of release, parole or commencement of

27

intermediate punishment, probation or nonconfinement

28

sentence.

29

(1.1)  If an offender or sexually violent predator is

30

required under this subchapter to register, update or verify

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1

a residence, an offender or sexually violent predator who is

2

a transient shall be required to register, update or verify

3

his habitual locales. With respect to each habitual locale, a

4

transient shall be required to provide an address unless the

5

habitual locale has no address, in which case a transient

6

shall be required to provide a specific description of the

7

place. A transient shall also provide a place where the

8

transient is able to receive delivery of mail, including a

9

post office box or general delivery post office location. In

10

addition to any other duty imposed under this subchapter,

11

including reporting requirements under section 9796 (relating

12

to verification of residence), a transient shall appear every

13

30 days at an approved registration site to complete the

14

forms designated by the Pennsylvania State Police to be used

15

for the purposes of complying with this subchapter, to update

16

or verify registration information and status as a transient

17

and, at the discretion of the approved registration site, to

18

be photographed.

19

(2)  For purposes of this paragraph, offenders and

20

sexually violent predators shall appear at an approved

21

registration site to complete the form designated by the

22

Pennsylvania State Police to be used for purposes of

23

complying with this subchapter. In the case of an offender

24

entering or being released or transferred from a residential

25

reentry or correctional facility, the administrator of the

26

facility or his designee shall assist in completing the forms

27

designated by the Pennsylvania State Police to be used for

28

purposes of complying with this subchapter and, immediately

29

upon collection, forward all the forms to the Pennsylvania

30

State Police. Offenders and sexually violent predators shall

- 12 -

 


1

inform the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours of:

2

(i)  Any establishment or change of residence or

3

establishment of an additional residence or residences.

4

(ii)  [Any] Becoming employed or any change of

5

employer or employment location for a period of time that

6

will exceed [14] four days during a seven-day period or

7

for an aggregate period of time that will exceed [30] 14 

8

days during any calendar year, or termination of

9

employment.

10

* * *

11

(iv)  Becoming [employed or] enrolled as a student if

12

the person has not previously provided that information

13

to the Pennsylvania State Police.

14

(v)  Becoming a transient.

15

(vi)  Entering, being released or transferred from a

16

Federal, State, county, municipal or private correctional

17

facility, including a residential reentry facility, due

18

to arrest, detainer, parole violation, probation

19

violation or sentence of incarceration, if the person's

20

stay exceeds 48 hours.

21

(vii)  No longer residing, being domiciled, employed

22

or being enrolled as a student in this Commonwealth.

23

(2.1)  Registration with a new law enforcement agency

24

shall occur no later than 48 hours after establishing

25

residence in another state or after moving to another state

26

but not establishing a residence there.

27

(3)  The [ten-year] registration period required in

28

section 9795.1(a) and (a.1) (relating to registration) shall

29

be tolled when an offender is [recommitted for a parole

30

violation or sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment] 

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1

incarcerated, and all time spent in incarceration shall not

2

be counted toward an offender's registration period. In such

3

cases, the [Department of Corrections or] Federal, State, 

4

county, municipal or private correctional facility shall

5

notify the Pennsylvania State Police of the admission,

6

release and transfer of the offender.

7

(4)  This paragraph shall apply to all offenders and

8

sexually violent predators:

9

(i)  Where the offender or sexually violent predator

10

was granted parole by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation

11

and Parole or the court or is sentenced to probation

12

[or], intermediate punishment or a punishment not

13

involving confinement, the board or county office of

14

probation and parole shall collect registration

15

information from the offender or sexually violent

16

predator and forward that registration information to the

17

Pennsylvania State Police. [The Department of Corrections

18

or county] If an offender or a sexually violent predator

19

is incarcerated in a Federal, State, county, municipal or

20

private correctional facility, including a residential

21

reentry facility, the correctional facility shall not

22

release nor transfer the offender or sexually violent

23

predator until it receives verification from the

24

Pennsylvania State Police that [it has received] the

25

registration information has been received. Verification

26

by the Pennsylvania State Police may occur by electronic

27

means, including e-mail or facsimile transmission. Where

28

the offender or sexually violent predator is scheduled to

29

be released from a [State correctional facility or

30

county] correctional facility because of the expiration

- 14 -

 


1

of the maximum term of incarceration, the [Department of

2

Corrections or county] correctional facility shall

3

collect the information from the offender or sexually

4

violent predator no later than ten days prior to the

5

maximum expiration date. The registration information

6

shall, immediately upon collection, be forwarded to the

7

Pennsylvania State Police.

8

* * *

9

(b)  Individuals convicted or sentenced by a court or

10

adjudicated delinquent in jurisdictions outside this

11

Commonwealth or sentenced by court martial.--

12

(4)  An individual who [resides, is employed or is a

13

student] is employed, intends to be employed, is a student,

14

intends to be a student, resides, enters this Commonwealth

15

with the purpose of establishing a residence or is a

16

transient in this Commonwealth and who has been convicted of

17

or sentenced by a court or court martialed for a sexually

18

violent offense or a similar offense under the laws of the

19

United States or one of its territories or possessions,

20

another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

21

Puerto Rico or a foreign nation, or who was required to

22

register under a sexual offender statute in the jurisdiction

23

where convicted, sentenced or court martialed, shall register

24

at an approved registration site within 48 hours of the

25

individual's arrival in this Commonwealth. The provisions of

26

this subchapter shall apply to the individual as follows:

27

* * *

28

(5)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 63

29

(relating to juvenile matters) and except as provided in

30

paragraph (4), an individual who [resides, is employed or is

- 15 -

 


1

a student] is employed, intends to be employed, is a student,

2

intends to be a student, resides, enters this Commonwealth

3

with the purpose of establishing a residence or is a

4

transient in this Commonwealth and who is required to

5

register as a sex offender under the laws of the United

6

States or one of its territories or possessions, another

7

state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto

8

Rico or a foreign nation as a result of a juvenile

9

adjudication shall register at an approved registration site

10

within 48 hours of the individual's arrival in this

11

Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply

12

to the individual as follows:

13

* * *

14

(c)  Registration information to local police.--

15

(1)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide the

16

information obtained under this section and sections [9795.3] 

17

9795.3(a) (relating to sentencing court information) and 9796

18

(relating to verification of [residence] registration

19

information) to the chief law enforcement officers of the

20

police departments of the municipalities in which the

21

individual will reside, be employed or enrolled as a student.

22

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police shall provide this

23

officer with the address at which the individual will reside,

24

be employed or enrolled as a student following his release

25

from incarceration, parole or probation.

26

(2)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

27

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

28

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

29

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

30

registration requirements of this section or section 9796 and

- 16 -

 


1

request, as appropriate, that these police departments assist

2

in locating and apprehending the individual.

3

(3)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

4

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

5

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

6

paragraph (1) when they are in receipt of information

7

indicating that the individual is no longer a transient or

8

will no longer reside, be transient, be employed or be

9

enrolled as a student in the municipality.

10

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

11

former section 9793 (relating to registration of certain

12

offenders for ten years) or section [9795.1(a) or (b)] 9795.1 

13

who fails to register or verify or update registration

14

information with the Pennsylvania State Police as required by

15

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

16

4915 (relating to failure to comply with registration of sexual

17

offenders requirements).

18

(e)  Registration sites.--An individual subject to [section

19

9795.1] this subchapter shall register and submit to

20

fingerprinting and photographing as required by this subchapter

21

at approved registration sites.

22

Section 6.  Sections 9795.3, 9796 heading, (a), (b), (c) and

23

(e), 9797(a)(1) and 9798(a)(1), (b) and (c) of Title 42 are

24

amended to read:

25

§ 9795.3.  Sentencing court information.

26

(a)  Duty of sentencing court.--The sentencing court shall

27

inform offenders and sexually violent predators at the time of

28

sentencing of the provisions of this subchapter. The court

29

shall:

30

(1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

- 17 -

 


1

predator of the duty to register and provide the information

2

required for each registration, including verification as

3

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

4

[residence)] registration information).

5

(2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

6

predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State Police

7

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

8

violent predator changes or establishes a residence or

9

establishes an additional residence or residences, becomes a

10

transient, changes employer or employment location for a

11

period of time that will exceed [14 days] four days during

12

any seven-day period or for an aggregate period of time that

13

will exceed [30] 14 days during any calendar year or

14

terminates employment or changes institution or location at

15

which the person is enrolled as a student or terminates

16

enrollment.

17

(2.1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

18

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

19

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

20

enrolled as a student if the [person] offender or sexually

21

violent predator has not previously provided that information

22

to the Pennsylvania State Police.

23

(2.2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

24

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

25

Police that he is a transient if the offender or sexually

26

violent predator does not have or fails to maintain a

27

residence.

28

(3)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

29

predator of the duty to register with a new law enforcement

30

agency if the offender or sexually violent predator moves to

- 18 -

 


1

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

2

establishing residence in another state.

3

(4)  Order the fingerprints and photograph of the

4

offender or sexually violent predator to be provided to the

5

Pennsylvania State Police upon sentencing.

6

(5)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

7

predator of the duty to register with the appropriate

8

authorities in any state in which the offender or sexually

9

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

10

vocation or is a student if the state requires such

11

registration.

12

(6)  Require the offender or sexually violent predator to

13

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

14

this subchapter has been explained. Where the offender or

15

sexually violent predator is incapable of reading, the court

16

shall certify the duty to register was explained to the

17

offender or sexually violent predator and the offender or

18

sexually violent predator indicated an understanding of the

19

duty.

20

(b)  Failure to provide.--Failure on the part of the court to

21

provide a sexually violent predator or offender with information

22

under this section shall not relieve that predator or offender

23

from the requirements of this subchapter.

24

§ 9796.  Verification of [residence] registration information.

25

(a)  Quarterly verification by sexually violent predators.--

26

The Pennsylvania State Police shall verify the [residence] 

27

registration information and compliance with counseling as

28

provided for in section 9799.4 (relating to counseling of

29

sexually violent predators) of sexually violent predators every

30

90 days through the use of a nonforwardable verification form to

- 19 -

 


1

the last reported residence. For the period of registration

2

required by section 9795.1 (relating to registration), a

3

sexually violent predator shall appear quarterly between January

4

5 and January 15, April 5 and April 15, July 5 and July 15 and

5

October 5 and October 15 of each calendar year at an approved

6

registration site to complete a verification form and to be

7

photographed.

8

* * *

9

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

10

State Police shall verify the [residence] registration

11

information of offenders. For the period of registration

12

required by section 9795.1, an offender shall appear within ten

13

days before each annual anniversary date of the offender's

14

initial registration under former section 9793 (relating to

15

registration of certain offenders for ten years) or section

16

9795.1 at an approved registration site to complete a

17

verification form and to be photographed.

18

* * *

19

(c)  Notification of law enforcement agencies of change of

20

residence or habitual locale.--A change of residence or habitual

21

locale of an offender or sexually violent predator required to

22

register under this subchapter reported to the Pennsylvania

23

State Police shall be immediately reported by the Pennsylvania

24

State Police to the appropriate law enforcement agency having

25

jurisdiction of the offender's or the sexually violent

26

predator's new place of residence or habitual locale. The

27

Pennsylvania State Police shall, if the offender or sexually

28

violent predator changes residence or habitual locale to another

29

state, notify the law enforcement agency with which the offender

30

or sexually violent predator must register in the new state.

- 20 -

 


1

* * *

2

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

3

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

4

verify his [residence] registration information or to be

5

photographed as required by this section may be subject to

6

prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4915 (relating to failure to

7

comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements).

8

* * *

9

§ 9797.  Victim notification.

10

(a)  Duty to inform victim.--

11

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

12

violent predator by a court under section 9795.4 (relating to

13

assessments), the local municipal police department or the

14

Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police

15

jurisdiction exists shall give written notice to the sexually

16

violent predator's victim when the sexually violent predator

17

registers initially and when he notifies the Pennsylvania

18

State Police of any change of residence or habitual locale.

19

This notice shall be given within 72 hours after the sexually

20

violent predator registers or notifies the Pennsylvania State

21

Police of a change of address or habitual locale. The notice

22

shall contain the sexually violent predator's name and the

23

address [or], addresses or habitual locales where he resides

24

or may be found.

25

* * *

26

§ 9798.  Other notification.

27

(a)  Notice by municipality's chief law enforcement

28

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

29

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

30

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

- 21 -

 


1

police department of the municipality where a sexually violent

2

predator lives shall be responsible for providing written notice

3

as required under this section.

4

(1)  The notice shall contain:

5

(i)  The name of the convicted sexually violent

6

predator.

7

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

8

sexually violent predator resides. If the sexually

9

violent predator is a transient, written notice under

10

this subparagraph shall include the municipality and

11

county containing the transient's habitual locale.

12

(ii.1)  The municipality, county and zip code in

13

which the sexually violent predator is employed.

14

(iii)  The offense for which [he] the sexually

15

violent predator was convicted, sentenced by a court,

16

adjudicated delinquent or court martialed.

17

(iv)  A statement that [he] the sexually violent

18

predator has been determined by court order to be a

19

sexually violent predator, which determination has or has

20

not been terminated as of a date certain.

21

(v)  A photograph of the sexually violent predator,

22

if available.

23

* * *

24

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

25

enforcement officer shall provide written notice, under

26

subsection (a), to the following persons:

27

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

28

in this paragraph, where the sexually violent predator lives

29

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

30

the unit owners' association and residents of the common

- 22 -

 


1

interest community. As used in this paragraph, where the

2

sexually violent predator is a transient, the term "neighbor"

3

shall mean the community, and the chief law enforcement

4

officer shall determine the appropriate method for providing

5

written notice.

6

(2)  The director of the county children and youth

7

service agency of the county where the sexually violent

8

predator resides or, if the sexually violent predator is a

9

transient, each county containing the transient's habitual

10

locale.

11

(3)  The superintendent of each school district and the

12

equivalent official for private and parochial schools

13

enrolling students up through grade 12 in the municipality

14

where the sexually violent predator resides or, if the

15

sexually violent predator is a transient, each municipality

16

containing the transient's habitual locale.

17

(3.1)  The superintendent of each school district and the

18

equivalent official for each private and parochial school

19

located within a one-mile radius of where the sexually

20

violent predator resides.

21

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

22

licensed preschool program and owner/operator of each

23

registered family day care home in the municipality where the

24

sexually violent predator resides or, if the sexually violent

25

predator is a transient, each municipality containing the

26

transient's habitual locale.

27

(5)  The president of each college, university and

28

community college located within 1,000 feet of a sexually

29

violent predator's residence.

30

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

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1

department's chief law enforcement officer shall provide notice

2

within the following time frames:

3

(1)  To neighbors specified under subsection (b)(1),

4

notice shall be provided within five days after information

5

of the sexually violent predator's release date and residence

6

or habitual locale has been received by the chief law

7

enforcement officer. Notwithstanding the provisions of

8

subsections (a) and (b), verbal notification may be used if

9

written notification would delay meeting this time

10

requirement.

11

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

12

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

13

the chief law enforcement officer receives information

14

regarding the sexually violent predator's release date and

15

residence or habitual locale.

16

* * *

17

Section 6.1.  Section 9798.1 heading, (a) and (c)(1)(v) and

18

(vi) of Title 42 are amended, subsection (c) is amended by

19

adding a paragraph and the section is amended by adding a

20

subsection to read:

21

§ 9798.1.  Information made available on the Internet and

22

electronic notification.

23

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

24

finding of the General Assembly that public safety will be

25

enhanced by making information about sexually violent predators,

26

lifetime registrants and other sex offenders available to the

27

public through the Internet and electronic notification.

28

Knowledge of whether a person is a sexually violent predator,

29

lifetime registrant or other sex offender could be a significant

30

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

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1

in care of a group or community organization, from recidivist

2

acts by sexually violent predators, lifetime registrants and

3

other sex offenders. The technology afforded by the Internet and

4

other electronic notification would make this information

5

readily accessible to parents and private entities, enabling

6

them to undertake appropriate remedial precautions to prevent or

7

avoid placing potential victims at risk. Public access to

8

information about sexually violent predators, lifetime

9

registrants and other sex offenders is intended solely as a

10

means of public protection and shall not be construed as

11

punitive.

12

* * *

13

(c)  Information permitted to be disclosed regarding

14

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

15

criminal history record information), the Internet website shall

16

contain the following information on each individual:

17

(1)  For sexually violent predators, the following

18

information shall be posted on the Internet website:

19

* * *

20

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

21

employment location and, in the case of a transient, of

22

any habitual locale;

23

(vi)  [a photograph] multiple frontal view color

24

photographs of the offender, which shall be updated not

25

less than annually, the specific date each photograph was

26

taken and, for comparative purposes, the most current and

27

the most recent previously posted frontal photographs

28

taken of the offender;

29

* * *

30

(3)  If an offender fails to appear for his required

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1

annual registration information verification or a sexually

2

violent predator fails to appear for his required quarterly

3

registration information verification, the Internet website

4

shall include:

5

(i)  A statement prominently displayed on the

6

offender or sexually violent predator's Internet website

7

listing indicating that the offender or predator is not

8

current with the registration information verification

9

requirements of this chapter.

10

(ii)  If applicable, a prominent notice indicating

11

that the offender or sexually violent predator has

12

absconded.

13

* * *

14

(e)  Electronic notification option.--Notwithstanding 18

15

Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record

16

information), the Pennsylvania State Police shall develop and

17

implement a process which allows members of the public to

18

receive electronic notification when any registered offender

19

moves into or out of a user-designated location.

20

Section 6.2.  Section 9799(1) of Title 42 is amended to read:

21

§ 9799.  Immunity for good faith conduct.

22

The following entities shall be immune from liability for

23

good faith conduct under this subchapter:

24

(1)  The Pennsylvania State Police [and], local law

25

enforcement agencies, and agents and employees of the

26

Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies.

27

* * *

28

Section 7.  Section 9799.1 heading, (2) and (4) of Title 42

29

are amended and the section is amended by adding paragraphs to

30

read:

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1

§ 9799.1.  [Duties of] Pennsylvania State Police.

2

The Pennsylvania State Police shall:

3

* * *

4

(2)  In consultation with the Department of Corrections,

5

the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Board of

6

Probation and Parole and the chairman and the minority

7

chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the

8

chairman and the minority chairman of the Judiciary Committee

9

of the House of Representatives, promulgate guidelines

10

necessary for the general administration of this subchapter.

11

These guidelines shall establish procedures to allow an

12

individual subject to the requirements of sections 9795.1

13

(relating to registration) and 9796 (relating to verification

14

of [residence] registration information) to fulfill these

15

requirements at approved registration sites throughout this

16

Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania State Police shall publish a

17

list of approved registration sites in the Pennsylvania

18

Bulletin and provide a list of approved registration sites in

19

any notices sent to individuals required to register under

20

section 9795.1. An approved registration site shall be

21

capable of submitting fingerprints, photographs and any other

22

information required electronically to the Pennsylvania State

23

Police. The Pennsylvania State Police shall require that

24

approved registration sites submit fingerprints utilizing the

25

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or in

26

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

27

Police shall require. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

28

require that approved registration sites submit photographs

29

utilizing the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in

30

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

- 27 -

 


1

Police shall require. Approved registration sites shall not

2

be limited to sites managed by the Pennsylvania State Police

3

and shall include sites managed by local law enforcement

4

agencies that meet the criteria for approved registration

5

sites set forth in this paragraph.

6

* * *

7

(4)  Notify, within five business days of receiving the

8

offender's or the sexually violent predator's registration,

9

the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments

10

having primary jurisdiction of the municipalities in which an

11

offender or sexually violent predator is a transient, 

12

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

13

that the offender or sexually violent predator has been

14

registered with the Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to

15

sections 9795.2 (relating to registration procedures and

16

applicability) and 9796 (relating to verification of

17

[residence] registration information).

18

* * *

19

(7)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall have standing

20

and shall be a party in any of the following:

21

(i)  A proceeding brought by an individual registered

22

under former section 9793 (relating to registration of

23

certain offenders for ten years) or section 9795.1 to be

24

removed from, or contesting inclusion in, the State

25

registry of sexual offenders and sexually violent

26

predators.

27

(ii)  A proceeding to modify a court order concerning

28

the terms of an individual's registration under former

29

section 9793 or section 9795.1.

30

(8)  The Pennsylvania State Police may certify and send

- 28 -

 


1

to an authorized user, by electronic transmission or

2

otherwise, a certification of record or abstract of records

3

maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police regarding the

4

registration of an offender under this subchapter.

5

Permissible uses shall include certifications of an

6

offender's initial registration and verification history and

7

history of nonregistration or nonverification. The

8

Pennsylvania State Police may also certify electronically any

9

documents certified to it electronically. Authorized users

10

shall include State and local police, district attorneys,

11

agents and employees of the Pennsylvania State Police and the

12

Office of Attorney General and other persons or entities

13

determined by the Pennsylvania State Police and listed by

14

notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. In any proceeding before

15

the courts or administrative bodies of this Commonwealth,

16

documents certified by the Pennsylvania State Police under

17

this section and offered into evidence by an authorized user

18

shall be admissible into evidence.

19

Section 8.  Sections 9799.4 and 9799.9 of Title 42 are

20

amended to read:

21

§ 9799.4.  Counseling of sexually violent predators.

22

(a)  Attendance required.--For the period of registration

23

required by section 9795.1(b) (relating to registration), a

24

sexually violent predator shall be required to attend at least

25

monthly counseling sessions in a program approved by the board

26

and be financially responsible for all fees assessed from such

27

counseling sessions. The board shall monitor the compliance of

28

the sexually violent predator.

29

(b)  Indigence.--If the sexually violent predator can prove

30

to the satisfaction of the court that the person's income and

- 29 -

 


1

support is such that the person cannot afford to pay for the

2

counseling sessions, that person shall still attend the

3

counseling sessions and the [parole office] Pennsylvania Board 

4

of Probation and Parole shall pay the requisite fees. The court

5

may create a standard petition for indigence for use by sexually

6

violent predators and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and

7

Parole in the courts of this Commonwealth. Filing fees for the

8

determinations shall be waived. Upon request of the Pennsylvania

9

Board of Probation and Parole, a sexually violent predator's

10

indigence status shall be reviewed by the court and a

11

determination shall be made by the court whether the individual

12

will remain eligible for funded counseling sessions.

13

§ 9799.9.  Photographs and fingerprinting.

14

An individual subject to former section 9793 (relating to

15

registration of certain offenders for ten years) or section

16

9795.1 (relating to registration) shall submit to fingerprinting

17

and photographing as required by this subchapter at approved

18

registration sites. Fingerprinting as required by this

19

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

20

of fingerprints. Photographing as required by this subchapter

21

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

22

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

23

the individual. Fingerprints and photographs obtained under this

24

subchapter may be maintained for use under this subchapter and

25

for general law enforcement purposes.

26

Section 9.  This act shall apply to the following:

27

(1)  All individuals required to register under 42

28

Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H on or after the effective date of

29

this section.

30

(2)  All individuals required to register under 42

- 30 -

 


1

Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 prior to

2

the effective date of this section and whose registration has

3

not expired prior to the effective date of this section.

4

Section 13.  This act shall take effect as follows:

5

(1)  The amendment or addition of 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 4501 and

6

4915(a) introductory paragraph, (2), (3) and (4), (b)(2), (3)

7

and (4) and (c)(2), (3), (4) and (5) shall take effect in 60

8

days.

9

(2)  The amendment or addition of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798.1

10

heading, (a) and (c)(1)(v) and (3) shall take effect in 180

11

days.

12

(3)  The amendment of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798.1(c)(1)(vi) shall

13

take effect in one year.

14

(4)  The addition of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9798.1(e) shall take

15

effect January 1, 2012.

16

(5)  The remainder of this act shall take effect

17

immediately.

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