SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2035
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 17, 2009
Title: An act relating to requiring registered sex and kidnapping offenders to submit information regarding any e-mail addresses and any web sites they create or operate.
Brief Description: Requiring registered sex and kidnapping offenders to submit information regarding any e-mail addresses and any web sites they create or operate.
Sponsors: House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Klippert, O'Brien, Shea, Haler, Roach, Armstrong, Pearson, McCune, Condotta, Orwall, Ross, Hurst, Smith, Kristiansen, Kretz, Orcutt, Kelley, Warnick and Angel).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/17/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: In 1990 the Legislature enacted the Community Protection Act, which, among other things, created a sex offender registry in Washington. A sex or kidnapping offender must register with the county sheriff in the county where the person resides. The offender must also notify the sheriff when the offender enrolls in a public or private school or an institution of higher education. Law enforcement officials use the information in the registry to notify the public, within certain guidelines, of a sex offender's presence in the community.When an offender registers, the offender must provide a variety of information including the offender's name, address (a homeless offender must provide a description of where he or she plans to stay), date and place of birth, place of employment, crime of conviction, date and place of conviction, aliases used, Social Security number, photograph, and fingerprints. A sex or kidnapping offender's picture may be taken at any time to update the individual's file.A person who knowingly fails to register and provide the required information is guilty of the crime of failure to register.
Summary of Bill: Law enforcement may request that a person who is required to register also provide his or her email address, internet communication name, and any uniform resource locator (URL) for any personal website created or operated by the person. If requested, the person must provide the information.
The act is null and void if not funded in the state budget.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The whole purpose of this bill is to keep young people safer. A sex offender may use the internet as a vehicle to prey on citizens. This bill would help ensure that offenders are not allowed to do that.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Klippert, prime sponsor