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1997 SESSION

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SB 746 Implementation of Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act.

Introduced by: Janet D. Howell | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Implementation of the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act; penalties. Adds to the list of offenses for which registration is required and imposes addtional, more stringent registration requirements on offenders. Persons convicted of the most serious sexual offenses (rape, forcible sodomy, object penetration and aggravated sexual battery) will be required to re-register every 90 days, for life unless, upon petition to the court in which they were convicted and a favorable assessment by a certified sex offender treatment specialist, they are found to no longer pose a danger to others. Other sex offenders who are required to register are to re-register annually for a period of 10 years. A new crime is created for failure to register or re-register (Class 6 felony, if a serious sexual offender; Class 1 misdemeanor for all others required to register, as under current law). Fingerprints and photographs will be required for inclusion in the registry.

The bill attempts to bring Virginia into compliance with the federal act and subsequent federal legislation involving the registration and tracking of sexual offenders. The legislation is the result of a year-long study by the Crime Commission concerning the implementation of "Megan's Law."

The Department of State Police is required to develop policies and procedures consistent with and necessary for implementation of this bill and the federal act.


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