PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 2573

PRINTER'S NO.  3800

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

1926

Session of

2009

  

  

INTRODUCED BY R. TAYLOR, SAYLOR, BELFANTI, BRADFORD, BRENNAN, BRIGGS, BROOKS, CARROLL, EVERETT, GIBBONS, HARHAI, HESS, HORNAMAN, HOUGHTON, KORTZ, LONGIETTI, MAHONEY, MANN, McILVAINE SMITH, MELIO, MENSCH, MOUL, MURT, O'NEILL, PALLONE, READSHAW, ROAE, ROCK, SANTARSIERO, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH, SWANGER, VULAKOVICH AND YOUNGBLOOD, AUGUST 12, 2009

  

  

AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, MAY 25, 2010   

  

  

  

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 failure to comply with 

<--

4

registration of sexual offenders requirements, for

<--

5

registration procedures, for verification of residence and

6

for victim notification.

7

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

8

hereby enacts as follows:

9

Section 1.  Section 4915(a) of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania

<--

10

Consolidated Statutes is amended to 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) (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)] § 9795.1 (relating

17

to registration) or 9795.2 (relating to registration procedures

 


1

and applicability) commits an offense if he knowingly fails to:

2

(1)  register with the Pennsylvania State Police as

3

required under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.2 (relating to registration

4

procedures and applicability);

5

(2)  verify his address or be photographed as required

6

under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9796 (relating to verification of

7

residence); or

8

(3)  provide accurate information when registering under

9

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

10

§ 9796.

11

* * *

12

Section 2.  Section 9795.2(a)(2) of Title 42 is amended by

13

adding a subparagraph and the subsection is amended by adding

14

paragraphs to read:

15

§ 9795.2.  Registration procedures and applicability.

16

(a)  Registration.--

17

* * *

18

(1.1)  Offenders and sexually violent predators lacking a

19

residence shall register with the Pennsylvania State Police

20

at an approved registration site within the jurisdiction of

21

the area where the person may be found.

22

(2)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall

23

inform the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours of:

24

* * *

25

(v)  Ceasing to have a residence.

26

* * *

27

(5)  Offenders or sexually violent predators subject to

28

this subchapter who lack a residence or intended residence or

29

who cease to have a residence shall register, update and

30

verify their habitual locale or locations during the day and

- 2 -

 


1

night, including parks, public buildings, restaurants and

2

libraries they frequent. Offenders and sexually violent

3

predators shall register, update and verify employment and

4

school enrollment as required under this subchapter. The

5

following shall apply:

6

(i)  Registration shall be in accordance with this

7

section except that in lieu of registering a residence an

8

offender or sexually violent predator subject to this

9

paragraph may register a specific description of the

10

place or places where the offender or sexually violent

11

predator may be found and any place or places where

12

communication with the offender or sexually violent

13

predator can be had. An offender or sexually violent

14

predator who ceases to have a residence following initial

15

registration shall within 48 hours register with the

16

Pennsylvania State Police at an approved registration

17

site within the jurisdiction of the area where the

18

offender or sexually violent predator may be found.

19

(ii)  In order to verify and update the information

20

provided under subparagraph (i), offenders and sexually

21

violent predators shall report to the Pennsylvania State

22

Police at an approved registration site within the

23

jurisdiction of the area where they may be found. The

24

following shall apply:

25

(A)  For sexually violent predators, reports

26

shall be made in person every seven days from the

27

time of registration until the time a residence is

28

established and reported.

29

(B)  For offenders, reports shall be made in

30

person every 30 days from the time of registration

- 3 -

 


1

until the time a residence is established and

2

reported.

3

(C)  Reporting shall occur during normal business

4

hours. The registration site may require the offender

5

or sexually violent predator to list the locations

6

where the offender or sexually violent predator would

7

have been found during the last seven days. If the

8

Pennsylvania State Police determines that it is

9

impractical to report as provided under this

10

paragraph due to the unique circumstances of an

11

offender or a sexually violent predator lacking a

12

residence, the Pennsylvania State Police may

13

authorize the offender or sexually violent predator

14

to follow an alternative reporting procedure. If the

15

offender or sexually violent predator is under

16

probation or parole supervision, the Pennsylvania

17

State Police shall consult with the supervising

18

authority in establishing the specific criteria of

19

the alternative procedure. If the Pennsylvania State

20

Police determines that it would be more practical and

21

would further public safety to permit an offender or

22

sexually violent predator to report to another law

23

enforcement agency within the jurisdiction where the

24

offender or sexually violent predator would be found,

25

it may, after consulting with the other law

26

enforcement agency, include this requirement in the

27

alternative reporting process. In approving an

28

alternative reporting process, the Pennsylvania State

29

Police shall do all of the following:

30

(I)  Document, in the registration record,

- 4 -

 


1

the specific reasons why the in-person reporting

2

process would be impractical for the offender or

3

sexually violent predator to follow.

4

(II)  Document how the authorized alternative

5

reporting procedure furthers the public safety

6

objectives of this subchapter.

7

(III)  Require compliance with the in-person

8

reporting process if the offender or sexually

9

violent predator moves or relocates to a new area

10

where this process would be practical.

11

(iii)  The following notification shall be in

12

accordance with this subchapter:

13

(A)  Notification to local police and crime

14

victims.

15

(B)  Passive notification.

16

Section 3.  Sections 9796 and 9797(a) of Title 42 are amended

17

to read:

18

§ 9796.  Verification of residence, habitual locale or

19

locations.

20

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

21

The Pennsylvania State Police shall verify the residence or, in

22

the case of a sexually violent predator without a residence, the

23

habitual locale or locations and compliance with counseling as

24

provided for in section 9799.4 (relating to counseling of

25

sexually violent predators) of sexually violent predators every

26

90 days through the use of a nonforwardable verification form to

27

the last reported residence, habitual locale, location or

28

mailing address. For the period of registration required by

29

section 9795.1 (relating to registration), a sexually violent

30

predator shall appear quarterly between January 5 and January

- 5 -

 


1

15, April 5 and April 15, July 5 and July 15 and October 5 and

2

October 15 of each calendar year at an approved registration

3

site to complete a verification form and to be photographed.

4

(a.1)  Facilitation of quarterly verification.--The

5

Pennsylvania State Police shall facilitate and administer the

6

verification process required by subsection (a) by:

7

(1)  sending a notice by first class United States mail

8

to all registered sexually violent predators at their last

9

reported residence addresses or, in the case of a sexually

10

violent predator without a residence, to the last reported

11

habitual locale, location or mailing address. This notice

12

shall be sent not more than 30 days nor less than 15 days

13

prior to each of the quarterly verification periods set forth

14

in subsection (a) and shall remind sexually violent predators

15

of their quarterly verification requirement and provide them

16

with a list of approved registration sites; and

17

(2)  providing verification and compliance forms as

18

necessary to each approved registration site not less than

19

ten days before each of the quarterly verification periods.

20

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

21

State Police shall verify the residence or, in the case of an

22

offender without a residence, the habitual locale or locations 

23

of offenders. For the period of registration required by section

24

9795.1, an offender shall appear within ten days before each

25

annual anniversary date of the offender's initial registration

26

under section 9795.1 at an approved registration site to

27

complete a verification form and to be photographed.

28

(b.1)  Facilitation of annual verification.--The Pennsylvania

29

State Police shall facilitate and administer the verification

30

process required by subsection (b) by:

- 6 -

 


1

(1)  sending a notice by first class United States mail

2

to all registered offenders at their last reported residence

3

addresses or, in the case of an offender without a residence,

4

to the offender's last reported habitual locale, location or

5

mailing address. This notice shall be sent not more than 30

6

days nor less than 15 days prior to each offender's annual

7

anniversary date and shall remind the offender of the annual

8

verification requirement and provide the offender with a list

9

of approved registration sites; and

10

(2)  providing verification and compliance forms as

11

necessary to each approved registration site.

12

(c)  Notification of law enforcement agencies of change of

13

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

14

or, in the case of an offender or sexually violent predator

15

without a residence, a change in the habitual locale or

16

locations of an offender or sexually violent predator required

17

to register under this subchapter reported to the Pennsylvania

18

State Police shall be immediately reported by the Pennsylvania

19

State Police to the appropriate law enforcement agency having

20

jurisdiction of the offender's or the sexually violent

21

predator's new place of residence, habitual locale or locations.

22

The Pennsylvania State Police shall, if the offender or sexually

23

violent predator changes residence, habitual locale or locations 

24

to another state, notify the law enforcement agency with which

25

the offender or sexually violent predator must register in the

26

new state.

27

(d)  Failure to provide verification.--Where an offender or

28

sexually violent predator fails to provide verification of

29

residence or, in the case of an offender or sexually violent

30

predator without a residence, the habitual locale or locations 

- 7 -

 


1

within the ten-day period as set forth in this section, the

2

Pennsylvania State Police shall immediately notify the municipal

3

police department of the offender's or the sexually violent

4

predator's last verified residence, habitual locale and

5

locations. The local municipal police shall locate the offender

6

or sexually violent predator and arrest him for violating this

7

section. The Pennsylvania State Police shall assume

8

responsibility for locating the offender or sexually violent

9

predator and arresting him in jurisdictions where no municipal

10

police jurisdiction exists. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

11

assist any municipal police department requesting assistance

12

with locating and arresting an offender or sexually violent

13

predator who fails to verify his residence.

14

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

15

section 9795.1(a) or (b) who fails to verify his residence or,

16

in the case of an offender or sexually violent predator who is

17

without a residence, the habitual locale or locations or to be

18

photographed as required by this section may be subject to

19

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

20

comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements).

21

(f)  Effect of notice.--Neither failure on the part of the

22

Pennsylvania State Police to send nor failure of a sexually

23

violent predator or offender to receive any notice or

24

information under subsection (a.1) or (b.1) shall relieve that

25

predator or offender from the requirements of this subchapter.

26

§ 9797.  Victim notification.

27

(a)  Duty to inform victim.--

28

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

29

violent predator by a court under section 9795.4 (relating to

30

assessments), the local municipal police department or the

- 8 -

 


1

Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police

2

jurisdiction exists shall give written notice to the sexually

3

violent predator's victim when the sexually violent predator

4

registers initially and when he notifies the Pennsylvania

5

State Police of any change of residence or, in the case of a

6

sexually violent predator without a residence, any change in

7

habitual locale or locations. This notice shall be given

8

within 72 hours after the sexually violent predator registers

9

or notifies the Pennsylvania State Police of a change of

10

[address] residence, habitual locale, or locations. The

11

notice shall contain the sexually violent predator's name and

12

the address or addresses where he resides or, in the case of

13

a sexually violent predator without a residence, the sexually

14

violent predator's habitual locale or locations.

15

(2)  A victim may terminate the duty to inform set forth

16

in paragraph (1) by providing the local municipal police

17

department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no local

18

municipal police department exists with a written statement

19

releasing that agency from the duty to comply with this

20

section as it pertains to that victim.

21

* * *

22

Section 4.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.

23

Section 1.  Section 4501 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania

<--

24

Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions to read:

25

§ 4501.  Definitions.

26

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

27

provisions of this article which are applicable to specific

28

chapters or other provisions of this article, the following

29

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

30

the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to

- 9 -

 


1

them in this section:

2

* * *

3

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

4

to definitions).

5

* * *

6

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

7

(relating to definitions).

8

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

9

9792 (relating to definitions).

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

read:

14

§ 4915.  Failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders

15

requirements.

16

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

17

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

18

registration) or [an individual who is subject to registration

19

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

20

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

21

registration of certain offenders for ten years) commits an

22

offense if he knowingly fails to:

23

* * *

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

(3)  provide accurate information when registering,

28

verifying or updating registration information under 42

29

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

30

9796; or

- 10 -

 


1

(4)  comply with any sexual offender counseling

2

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

3

counseling of sexually violent predators) as a result of

4

being designated a sexually violent predator or imposed under

5

a sex offender registration statute following conviction in

6

another jurisdiction.

7

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

8

without lifetime registration.--

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

the third degree.

15

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

felony of the second degree.

22

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

felony of the second degree.

27

(c)  Grading for sexually violent predators and others with

28

lifetime registration.--

29

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

30

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

- 11 -

 


1

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

2

to register as a sexually violent predator or as an offender

3

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

4

commits a felony of the second degree.

5

(3)  An individual subject to registration under 42

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

(4)  An individual subject to registration under 42

13

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

14

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

15

violent predator or as an offender for life, who violates

16

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

17

(5)  An individual subject to registration under 42

18

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

19

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

20

felony of the third degree.

21

* * *

22

(e)  Arrests for violation.--

23

* * *

24

(3)  Prior to admitting an individual arrested for a

25

violation of this section to bail, the issuing authority

26

shall require all of the following:

27

* * *

28

(ii)  The individual must provide the Pennsylvania

29

State Police with all current or intended residences, all

30

habitual locales, all information concerning current or

- 12 -

 


1

intended employment, including all employment locations,

2

and all information concerning current or intended

3

enrollment as a student.

4

* * *

5

Section 3.  The definitions of "active notification,"

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

by adding definitions to read:

10

§ 9792.  Definitions.

11

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

12

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

13

context clearly indicates otherwise:

14

* * *

15

"Active notification."  Notification pursuant to section 9798

16

(relating to other notification) or any process whereby law

17

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

18

its territories or possessions, another state, the District of

19

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

20

notifies persons in the community in which the individual

21

resides or has a habitual locale, including any person

22

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

23

locale, employment or school location of the individual.

24

"Approved registration site"  A site in this Commonwealth

25

approved by the Pennsylvania State Police as required by section

26

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

27

(1)  at which individuals subject to this subchapter may

28

register, verify information or be fingerprinted or

29

photographed as required by this subchapter;

30

(2)  which is capable of submitting fingerprints

- 13 -

 


1

utilizing the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification

2

System or in another manner and in such form as the

3

Pennsylvania State Police shall require; and

4

(3)  which is capable of submitting photographs utilizing

5

the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in another manner

6

and in such form as the Pennsylvania State Police shall

7

require.

8

* * *

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

financially compensated, volunteered, pursuant to a contract or

14

for the purpose of government or educational benefit.

15

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

16

The term includes locations a transient frequents during the day

17

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

18

libraries.

19

* * *

20

"Offender."  An individual required to register under section

21

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

22

under former section 9793 (relating to registration of certain

23

offenders for ten years). The term includes an individual

24

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

25

to registration procedures and applicability).

26

"Passive notification."  Notification pursuant to section

27

9798.1 (relating to information made available on the Internet)

28

or any process whereby persons, pursuant to the laws of the

29

United States or one of its territories or possessions, another

30

state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

- 14 -

 


1

or a foreign nation, are able to access information pertaining

2

to an individual [as a result of the individual having been

3

convicted or sentenced by a court for an offense similar to an

4

offense listed in section 9795.1 (relating to registration)]

5

under a sex offender registration law in that jurisdiction. The

6

term includes a situation in which an individual is required to

7

register under a sex offender registration law in the

8

jurisdiction where convicted, sentenced, court martialed or

9

adjudicated as a juvenile and where access to that registration

10

information is limited to law enforcement only.

11

* * *

12

"Registration information."  Information required under this

13

subchapter to be provided to the Pennsylvania State Police by an

14

offender or a sexually violent predator.

15

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

16

domiciled or intends to be domiciled for 30 [consecutive]

17

cumulative days or more during a calendar year.

18

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

19

(1)  This subchapter.

20

(2)  A law in another jurisdiction which requires an

21

individual to register with a sex offender registry following

22

conviction or adjudication.

23

* * *

24

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

25

of a sexually violent offense as set forth in section 9795.1

26

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

27

sexually violent predator under section 9795.4 (relating to

28

assessments) due to a mental abnormality or personality disorder

29

that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually

30

violent offenses. The term includes:

- 15 -

 


1

(1)  an individual determined to be a sexually violent

2

predator where the determination occurred in the United

3

States or one of its territories or possessions, another

4

state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto

5

Rico, a foreign nation or by court martial; and

6

(2)  an individual considered to be a sexually violent

7

predator under section 9795.2(b) (relating to registration

8

procedures and applicability).

9

* * *

10

"Transient."  An individual subject to registration under

11

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

12

this Commonwealth for seven or more consecutive days. The term

13

includes an individual considered to be a transient under

14

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

15

applicability).

16

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

17

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

18

and the section is amended by adding subsections to read:

19

§ 9795.1.  Registration.

20

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

21

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

22

required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police for a

23

period of ten years:

24

* * *

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

procedures and applicability) shall be required to register with

29

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

30

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

- 16 -

 


1

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

2

be subject to lifetime registration:

3

* * *

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

* * *

8

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

9

individual required to register under this subchapter does not

10

have a residence shall not relieve the individual from the duty

11

to register or any other duty imposed by this subchapter.

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

subparagraphs to read:

18

§ 9795.2.  Registration procedures and applicability.

19

(a)  Registration.--

20

(1)  Offenders and sexually violent predators shall be

21

required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police upon

22

release from incarceration, upon parole from a Federal, State

23

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

24

facility or upon the commencement of a sentence of

25

intermediate punishment or probation or any other sentence of

26

nonconfinement. For purposes of registration, offenders and

27

sexually violent predators shall provide the Pennsylvania

28

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

29

information concerning current or intended employment [and]; 

30

all information concerning current or intended enrollment as

- 17 -

 


1

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

2

by, or registered to, the offender or sexually violent

3

predator. An offender or sexually violent predator who does

4

not have a current or intended residence shall be considered

5

a transient. An offender or sexually violent predator who

6

provides an intended residence shall be considered a

7

transient if the offender or sexually violent predator is not

8

living at the registered intended residence within seven days

9

following the date of release, parole or commencement of

10

intermediate punishment, probation or nonconfinement

11

sentence.

12

(1.1)  If an offender or sexually violent predator is

13

required under this subchapter to register, update or verify

14

a residence, an offender or sexually violent predator who is

15

a transient shall be required to register, update or verify

16

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

17

transient shall be required to provide an address unless the

18

habitual locale has no address, in which case a transient

19

shall be required to provide a specific description of the

20

place. A transient shall also provide a place where the

21

transient is able to receive delivery of mail, including a

22

post office box or general delivery post office location. In

23

addition to any other duty imposed under this subchapter,

24

including reporting requirements under section 9796 (relating

25

to verification of residence), a transient shall appear every

26

30 days at an approved registration site to complete the

27

forms designated by the Pennsylvania State Police to be used

28

for the purposes of complying with this subchapter, to update

29

or verify registration information and status as a transient

30

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

- 18 -

 


1

be photographed.

2

(2)  For purposes of this paragraph, offenders and

3

sexually violent predators shall appear at an approved

4

registration site to complete the form designated by the

5

Pennsylvania State Police to be used for purposes of

6

complying with this subchapter. In the case of an offender

7

entering or being released or transferred from a residential

8

reentry or correctional facility, the administrator of the

9

facility or his designee shall assist in completing the forms

10

designated by the Pennsylvania State Police to be used for

11

purposes of complying with this subchapter and, immediately

12

upon collection, forward all the forms to the Pennsylvania

13

State Police. Offenders and sexually violent predators shall

14

inform the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours of:

15

(i)  Any establishment or change of residence or

16

establishment of an additional residence or residences.

17

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

18

employer or employment location for a period of time that

19

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

20

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

21

days during any calendar year, or termination of

22

employment.

23

* * *

24

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

25

the person has not previously provided that information

26

to the Pennsylvania State Police.

27

(v)  Becoming a transient.

28

(vi)  Entering, being released or transferred from a

29

Federal, State, county, municipal or private correctional

30

facility, including a residential reentry facility, due

- 19 -

 


1

to arrest, detainer, parole violation, probation

2

violation or sentence of incarceration, if the person's

3

stay exceeds 48 hours.

4

(vii)  No longer residing, being domiciled, employed

5

or being enrolled as a student in this Commonwealth.

6

(2.1)  Registration with a new law enforcement agency

7

shall occur no later than 48 hours after establishing

8

residence in another state or after moving to another state

9

but not establishing a residence there.

10

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

11

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

12

be tolled when an offender is [recommitted for a parole

13

violation or sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment]

14

incarcerated, and all time spent in incarceration shall not

15

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

16

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

17

county, municipal or private correctional facility shall

18

notify the Pennsylvania State Police of the admission,

19

release and transfer of the offender.

20

(4)  This paragraph shall apply to all offenders and

21

sexually violent predators:

22

(i)  Where the offender or sexually violent predator

23

was granted parole by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation

24

and Parole or the court or is sentenced to probation

25

[or], intermediate punishment or a punishment not

26

involving confinement, the board or county office of

27

probation and parole shall collect registration

28

information from the offender or sexually violent

29

predator and forward that registration information to the

30

Pennsylvania State Police. [The Department of Corrections

- 20 -

 


1

or county] If an offender or a sexually violent predator

2

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

3

private correctional facility, including a residential

4

reentry facility, the correctional facility shall not

5

release nor transfer the offender or sexually violent

6

predator until it receives verification from the

7

Pennsylvania State Police that [it has received] the

8

registration information has been received. Verification

9

by the Pennsylvania State Police may occur by electronic

10

means, including e-mail or facsimile transmission. Where

11

the offender or sexually violent predator is scheduled to

12

be released from a [State correctional facility or

13

county] correctional facility because of the expiration

14

of the maximum term of incarceration, the [Department of

15

Corrections or county] correctional facility shall

16

collect the information from the offender or sexually

17

violent predator no later than ten days prior to the

18

maximum expiration date. The registration information

19

shall, immediately upon collection, be forwarded to the

20

Pennsylvania State Police.

21

* * *

22

(b)  Individuals convicted or sentenced by a court or

23

adjudicated delinquent in jurisdictions outside this

24

Commonwealth or sentenced by court martial.--

25

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

26

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

27

intends to be a student, resides, enters this Commonwealth

28

with the purpose of establishing a residence or is a

29

transient in this Commonwealth and who has been convicted of

30

or sentenced by a court or court martialed for a sexually

- 21 -

 


1

violent offense or a similar offense under the laws of the

2

United States or one of its territories or possessions,

3

another state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

4

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

5

register under a sexual offender statute in the jurisdiction

6

where convicted, sentenced or court martialed, shall register

7

at an approved registration site within 48 hours of the

8

individual's arrival in this Commonwealth. The provisions of

9

this subchapter shall apply to the individual as follows:

10

* * *

11

(5)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 63

12

(relating to juvenile matters) and except as provided in

13

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

14

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

15

intends to be a student, resides, enters this Commonwealth

16

with the purpose of establishing a residence or is a

17

transient in this Commonwealth and who is required to

18

register as a sex offender under the laws of the United

19

States or one of its territories or possessions, another

20

state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto

21

Rico or a foreign nation as a result of a juvenile

22

adjudication shall register at an approved registration site

23

within 48 hours of the individual's arrival in this

24

Commonwealth. The provisions of this subchapter shall apply

25

to the individual as follows:

26

* * *

27

(c)  Registration information to local police.--

28

(1)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide the

29

information obtained under this section and sections [9795.3]

30

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

- 22 -

 


1

(relating to verification of [residence] registration

2

information) to the chief law enforcement officers of the

3

police departments of the municipalities in which the

4

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

5

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police shall provide this

6

officer with the address at which the individual will reside,

7

be employed or enrolled as a student following his release

8

from incarceration, parole or probation.

9

(2)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

10

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

11

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

12

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

13

registration requirements of this section or section 9796

14

and request, as appropriate, that these police departments

15

assist in locating and apprehending the individual.

16

(3)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall provide notice

17

to the chief law enforcement officers of the police

18

departments of the municipalities notified pursuant to

19

paragraph (1) when they are in receipt of information

20

indicating that the individual is no longer a transient or

21

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

22

enrolled as a student in the municipality.

23

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

24

former section 9793 (relating to registration of certain

25

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

26

who fails to register or verify or update registration

27

information with the Pennsylvania State Police as required by

28

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

29

4915 (relating to failure to comply with registration of sexual

30

offenders requirements).

- 23 -

 


1

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

2

9795.1] this subchapter shall register and submit to

3

fingerprinting and photographing as required by this subchapter

4

at approved registration sites.

5

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

6

and (e), 9797(a)(1), 9798(a)(1), (b) and (c), 9798.1(c)(1)(v)

7

and 9799(1) of Title 42 are amended to read:

8

§ 9795.3.  Sentencing court information.

9

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

10

inform offenders and sexually violent predators at the time of

11

sentencing of the provisions of this subchapter. The court

12

shall:

13

(1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

14

predator of the duty to register and provide the information

15

required for each registration, including verification as

16

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

17

[residence)] registration information).

18

(2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

19

predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State Police

20

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

21

violent predator changes or establishes a residence or

22

establishes an additional residence or residences, becomes a

23

transient, changes employer or employment location for a

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

terminates employment or changes institution or location at

28

which the person is enrolled as a student or terminates

29

enrollment.

30

(2.1)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

- 24 -

 


1

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

2

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

3

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

4

violent predator has not previously provided that information

5

to the Pennsylvania State Police.

6

(2.2)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually

7

violent predator of the duty to inform the Pennsylvania State

8

Police that he is a transient if the offender or sexually

9

violent predator does not have or fails to maintain a

10

residence.

11

(3)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

12

predator of the duty to register with a new law enforcement

13

agency if the offender or sexually violent predator moves to

14

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

15

establishing residence in another state.

16

(4)  Order the fingerprints and photograph of the

17

offender or sexually violent predator to be provided to the

18

Pennsylvania State Police upon sentencing.

19

(5)  Specifically inform the offender or sexually violent

20

predator of the duty to register with the appropriate

21

authorities in any state in which the offender or sexually

22

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

23

vocation or is a student if the state requires such

24

registration.

25

(6)  Require the offender or sexually violent predator to

26

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

27

this subchapter has been explained. Where the offender or

28

sexually violent predator is incapable of reading, the court

29

shall certify the duty to register was explained to the

30

offender or sexually violent predator and the offender or

- 25 -

 


1

sexually violent predator indicated an understanding of the

2

duty.

3

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

4

provide a sexually violent predator or offender with information

5

under this section shall not relieve that predator or offender

6

from the requirements of this subchapter.

7

§ 9796.  Verification of [residence] registration information.

8

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

9

The Pennsylvania State Police shall verify the [residence]

10

registration information and compliance with counseling as

11

provided for in section 9799.4 (relating to counseling of

12

sexually violent predators) of sexually violent predators every

13

90 days through the use of a nonforwardable verification form to

14

the last reported residence. For the period of registration

15

required by section 9795.1 (relating to registration), a

16

sexually violent predator shall appear quarterly between January

17

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

18

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

19

registration site to complete a verification form and to be

20

photographed.

21

* * *

22

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

23

State Police shall verify the [residence] registration

24

information of offenders. For the period of registration

25

required by section 9795.1, an offender shall appear within ten

26

days before each annual anniversary date of the offender's

27

initial registration under former section 9793 (relating to

28

registration of certain offenders for ten years) or section

29

9795.1 at an approved registration site to complete a

30

verification form and to be photographed.

- 26 -

 


1

* * *

2

(c)  Notification of law enforcement agencies of change of

3

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

4

locale of an offender or sexually violent predator required to

5

register under this subchapter reported to the Pennsylvania

6

State Police shall be immediately reported by the Pennsylvania

7

State Police to the appropriate law enforcement agency having

8

jurisdiction of the offender's or the sexually violent

9

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

10

Pennsylvania State Police shall, if the offender or sexually

11

violent predator changes residence or habitual locale to another

12

state, notify the law enforcement agency with which the offender

13

or sexually violent predator must register in the new state.

14

* * *

15

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

16

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

17

verify his [residence] registration information or to be

18

photographed as required by this section may be subject to

19

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

20

comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements).

21

* * *

22

§ 9797.  Victim notification.

23

(a)  Duty to inform victim.--

24

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

25

violent predator by a court under section 9795.4 (relating to

26

assessments), the local municipal police department or the

27

Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police

28

jurisdiction exists shall give written notice to the sexually

29

violent predator's victim when the sexually violent predator

30

registers initially and when he notifies the Pennsylvania

- 27 -

 


1

State Police of any change of residence or habitual locale.

2

This notice shall be given within 72 hours after the sexually

3

violent predator registers or notifies the Pennsylvania State

4

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

5

shall contain the sexually violent predator's name and the

6

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

7

or may be found.

8

* * *

9

§ 9798.  Other notification.

10

(a)  Notice by municipality's chief law enforcement

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

police department of the municipality where a sexually violent

15

predator lives shall be responsible for providing written notice

16

as required under this section.

17

(1)  The notice shall contain:

18

(i)  The name of the convicted sexually violent

19

predator.

20

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

21

sexually violent predator resides. If the sexually

22

violent predator is a transient, written notice under

23

this subparagraph shall include the municipality and

24

county containing the transient's habitual locale.

25

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

26

which the sexually violent predator is employed.

27

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

28

violent predator was convicted, sentenced by a court,

29

adjudicated delinquent or court martialed.

30

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

- 28 -

 


1

predator has been determined by court order to be a

2

sexually violent predator, which determination has or has

3

not been terminated as of a date certain.

4

(v)  A photograph of the sexually violent predator,

5

if available.

6

* * *

7

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

8

enforcement officer shall provide written notice, under

9

subsection (a), to the following persons:

10

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

11

in this paragraph, where the sexually violent predator lives

12

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

13

the unit owners' association and residents of the common

14

interest community. As used in this paragraph, where the

15

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

16

shall mean the community, and the chief law enforcement

17

officer shall determine the appropriate method for providing

18

written notice.

19

(2)  The director of the county children and youth

20

service agency of the county where the sexually violent

21

predator resides or, if the sexually violent predator is a

22

transient, each county containing the transient's habitual

23

locale.

24

(3)  The superintendent of each school district and the

25

equivalent official for private and parochial schools

26

enrolling students up through grade 12 in the municipality

27

where the sexually violent predator resides or, if the

28

sexually violent predator is a transient, each municipality

29

containing the transient's habitual locale.

30

(3.1)  The superintendent of each school district and the

- 29 -

 


1

equivalent official for each private and parochial school

2

located within a one-mile radius of where the sexually

3

violent predator resides.

4

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

5

licensed preschool program and owner/operator of each

6

registered family day care home in the municipality where the

7

sexually violent predator resides or, if the sexually violent

8

predator is a transient, each municipality containing the

9

transient's habitual locale.

10

(5)  The president of each college, university and

11

community college located within 1,000 feet of a sexually

12

violent predator's residence.

13

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

14

department's chief law enforcement officer shall provide notice

15

within the following time frames:

16

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

17

notice shall be provided within five days after information

18

of the sexually violent predator's release date and residence

19

or habitual locale has been received by the chief law

20

enforcement officer. Notwithstanding the provisions of

21

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

22

written notification would delay meeting this time

23

requirement.

24

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

25

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

26

the chief law enforcement officer receives information

27

regarding the sexually violent predator's release date and

28

residence or habitual locale.

29

* * *

30

§ 9798.1.  Information made available on the Internet.

- 30 -

 


1

* * *

2

(c)  Information permitted to be disclosed regarding

3

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

4

criminal history record information), the Internet website shall

5

contain the following information on each individual:

6

(1)  For sexually violent predators, the following

7

information shall be posted on the Internet website:

8

* * *

9

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

10

employment location and of any habitual locale;

11

* * *

12

§ 9799.  Immunity for good faith conduct.

13

The following entities shall be immune from liability for

14

good faith conduct under this subchapter:

15

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

16

enforcement agencies, and agents and employees of the

17

Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies.

18

* * *

19

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

20

are amended and the section is amended by adding paragraphs to

21

read:

22

§ 9799.1.  [Duties of] Pennsylvania State Police.

23

The Pennsylvania State Police shall:

24

* * *

25

(2)  In consultation with the Department of Corrections,

26

the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Board of

27

Probation and Parole and the chairman and the minority

28

chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the

29

chairman and the minority chairman of the Judiciary Committee

30

of the House of Representatives, promulgate guidelines

- 31 -

 


1

necessary for the general administration of this subchapter.

2

These guidelines shall establish procedures to allow an

3

individual subject to the requirements of sections 9795.1

4

(relating to registration) [and], 9796 (relating to

5

verification of [residence] registration information) to

6

fulfill these requirements at approved registration sites

7

throughout this Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania State Police

8

shall publish a list of approved registration sites in the

9

Pennsylvania Bulletin and provide a list of approved

10

registration sites in any notices sent to individuals

11

required to register under section 9795.1. An approved

12

registration site shall be capable of submitting

13

fingerprints, photographs and any other information required

14

electronically to the Pennsylvania State Police. The

15

Pennsylvania State Police shall require that approved

16

registration sites submit fingerprints utilizing the

17

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or in

18

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

19

Police shall require. The Pennsylvania State Police shall

20

require that approved registration sites submit photographs

21

utilizing the Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network or in

22

another manner and in such form as the Pennsylvania State

23

Police shall require. Approved registration sites shall not

24

be limited to sites managed by the Pennsylvania State Police

25

and shall include sites managed by local law enforcement

26

agencies that meet the criteria for approved registration

27

sites set forth in this paragraph.

28

* * *

29

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

30

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

- 32 -

 


1

the chief law enforcement officers of the police departments

2

having primary jurisdiction of the municipalities in which an

3

offender or sexually violent predator is a transient, 

4

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

5

that the offender or sexually violent predator has been

6

registered with the Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to

7

sections 9795.2 (relating to registration procedures and

8

applicability) and 9796 (relating to verification of

9

[residence] registration information).

10

* * *

11

(7)  The Pennsylvania State Police shall have standing

12

and shall be a party in any of the following:

13

(i)  A proceeding brought by an individual registered

14

under former section 9793 (relating to registration of

15

certain offenders for ten years) or section 9795.1 to be

16

removed from, or contesting their inclusion in, the State

17

registry of sexual offenders and sexually violent

18

predators.

19

(ii)  A proceeding to modify a court order concerning

20

the terms of an individual's registration under former

21

section 9793 or section 9795.1.

22

(8)  The Pennsylvania State Police may certify and send

23

to an authorized user, by electronic transmission or

24

otherwise, a certification of record or abstract of records

25

maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police regarding the

26

registration of an offender under this subchapter.

27

Permissible uses shall include certifications of an offenders

28

initial registration and verification history and history of

29

nonregistration or nonverification. The Pennsylvania State

30

Police may also certify electronically any documents

- 33 -

 


1

certified to it electronically. Authorized users shall

2

include State and local police, district attorneys, agents

3

and employees of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office

4

of Attorney General and other persons or entities determined

5

by the Pennsylvania State Police and listed by notice in the

6

Pennsylvania Bulletin. In any proceeding before the courts or

7

administrative bodies of this Commonwealth, documents

8

certified by the Pennsylvania State Police under this section

9

and offered into evidence by an authorized user shall be

10

admissible into evidence.

11

Section 8.  Sections 9799.4 and 9799.9 of Title 42 are

12

amended to read:

13

§ 9799.4.  Counseling of sexually violent predators.

14

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

15

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

16

sexually violent predator shall be required to attend at least

17

monthly counseling sessions in a program approved by the board

18

and be financially responsible for all fees assessed from such

19

counseling sessions. The board shall monitor the compliance of

20

the sexually violent predator.

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

counseling sessions, that person shall still attend the

25

counseling sessions and the [parole office] board shall pay the

26

requisite fees. The court may create a standard petition for

27

indigence for use by sexually violent predators and the parole

28

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

29

determinations shall be waived. Upon request of the parole

30

office, a sexually violent predator's indigence status shall be

- 34 -

 


1

reviewed by the court and a determination shall be made by the

2

court whether the individual will remain eligible for funded

3

counseling sessions.

4

§ 9799.9.  Photographs and fingerprinting.

5

An individual subject to former section 9793 (relating to

6

registration of certain offenders for ten years) or section

7

9795.1 (relating to registration) shall submit to fingerprinting

8

and photographing as required by this subchapter at approved

9

registration sites. Fingerprinting as required by this

10

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

11

of fingerprints. Photographing as required by this subchapter

12

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

13

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

14

the individual. Fingerprints and photographs obtained under this

15

subchapter may be maintained for use under this subchapter and

16

for general law enforcement purposes.

17

Section 9.  This act shall apply to the following:

18

(1)  All individuals required to register under 42

19

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

20

this section.

21

(2)  All individuals required to register under 42

22

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

23

the effective date of this section and whose registration has

24

not expired prior to the effective date of this section.

25

(3)  All individuals taken into custody or incarcerated

26

on or after the effective date of this section and who, prior

27

to the effective date of this section, were convicted,

28

adjudicated or court martialed for an offense which would

29

have subjected the individual to register under 42 Pa.C.S. §

30

9795.1 if the conviction, adjudication or court martial had

- 35 -

 


1

occurred on or after the effective date of this section, but

2

only if the period of registration would not have expired

3

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 remainder of this act shall take effect

10

immediately.

- 36 -