Legal Definitions - registration and community-notification law

A registration and community-notification law, often exemplified by Megan's Law, is legislation that requires individuals convicted of certain crimes, typically sex offenses, to register their whereabouts and other personal information with local law enforcement agencies. These laws also mandate that specific information about these registered individuals be made accessible to the public, often through online databases or direct notifications to communities. The primary goal is to enhance public safety by informing residents about the presence of individuals who have committed offenses that pose a risk to the community, particularly children.

• Example 1: Relocation to a New Town

  Imagine an individual, previously convicted of a qualifying sex offense in one state, decides to move to a new town in a different state. Under a registration and community-notification law, this person would be legally obligated to report their new address and other relevant details to the local police department in their new town within a specified timeframe. This act of registration ensures law enforcement is aware of their presence. Subsequently, information about this individual, such as their name, photograph, and general location, would be made available on a public sex offender registry website, thereby notifying the community of their presence.

• Example 2: Proximity to a School or Park

  Consider a situation where a convicted sex offender moves into a residence located directly across the street from an elementary school or a public playground. Under the community-notification provisions of such a law, local residents, particularly those within a certain radius of the offender's address, or parents with children attending the nearby school, might receive direct notifications (e.g., flyers, emails, or community meetings) about the offender's presence. Additionally, the public registry would clearly indicate the offender's proximity to the school or park, allowing parents and school officials to be informed and take appropriate precautions.

• Example 3: Periodic Re-registration Requirements

  An individual who completed their prison sentence for a sex offense several years ago is still subject to ongoing registration requirements. These laws often mandate periodic re-registration, sometimes annually or semi-annually, to ensure that the registered information (such as current address, employment, or vehicle details) remains accurate and up-to-date. Failure to comply with these re-registration requirements can lead to new criminal charges, highlighting the continuous nature of the "registration" component. The updated information then continues to be available for "community notification," ensuring the public has access to current data.