Gov. Shumlin Signs Bill to Tighten Restrictions on Sex Offenders

Statement

Gov. Peter Shumlin today signed into law legislation to tighten reporting restrictions for sex offenders when they are released from their sentence. Introduced by House Judiciary Chairwoman Rep. Maxine Grad, the legislation (H.16) requires a sex offender to report to the Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry prior to his or her release from prison. Previously, offenders had up to three days after release to report information about their intended residence, and the Department of Corrections could not compel an offender to provide such information before release. The bill also requires a sex offender to report to the Sex Offender Registry within 24 hours of being released from probation, parole, furlough, or a supervised community sentence.

"This is common sense legislation that will make our communities and state a safer place for everyone," Gov. Shumlin said. "I want to thank Rep. Grad and Sen. Sears as well as the House and Senate Judiciary Committees for their hard work on this legislation."

"This law makes offenders accountable and provides communities with vital information about where an offender intends to live prior to his or her release," said Rep. Grad. "This change from the three days given for notification is significant. Those can be three very long days for a victim and her community."

The act takes effect immediately and applies to those currently sentenced for qualifying crimes and those sentenced after enactment.

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