The Problem with Sex Offender Punishment
Few crimes evoke such passionate and emotional public responses as do those committed by the sexual offender; yet, few crimes … Continue reading →
MI: ACLU pushes for removal of sex offender registry
MICHIGAN — Could the sex offender registry soon be a thing of the past? The American Civil Liberties Union wants … Continue reading →
Redemption, forgiveness, restorative justice: Whatever it’s called, it must be for ALL
There’s a new phrase in town, and it’s catching on like wildfire. April 29th is the start date for a … Continue reading →
PA: High Court will again review sex offender registration
Two years ago, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shook up long-settled orthodoxy by ruling that the state’s sex offender registration law, … Continue reading →
Residency Restrictions: Wise or Unwise
Banishment! In the 21st century many localities in the United States use an ancient means to get rid of people … Continue reading →
How the scammers get your number — and how to stop them
You get a late-night phone call from a person claiming to be a police detective telling you that you’re out … Continue reading →
PA: Constitutional right or crime? Case of alleged harassment of sex offender’s family heads to court
A father and son from Freemansburg accused of harassing the family of a sex offender are headed to Northampton County Court on … Continue reading →
Appeals Court Provides New Vehicle to Challenge Registration
We are excited to report that registrants in Pennsylvania now will have a new vehicle to challenge sex offender registration. … Continue reading →
PA: SORNA REGISTRATION EQUAL TO BEING “IN CUSTODY”
For a federal court to consider a habeas petition, the petitioner must be “in custody” at the time the petition … Continue reading →
National News
CA: Simon Isn’t A Sex Offender. But He’s Still on the Registry For Life
SIMON LIU ISN’T A SEX OFFENDER. BUT HE’S STILL ON THE REGISTRY FOR LIFE. California’s expansive registry law forces people … Continue reading →
UT: Lawmaker calls for study in taking some convicts off sex offender registry
It’s a sensitive issues at the Utah Capitol — maybe close to alcohol policy, marijuana and Medicaid expansion — who … Continue reading →
CA: Santa Clarita City Council To Consider Repeal Of Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
The Santa Clarita City Council is considering repealing restrictions Tuesday which currently limit registered sex offenders from living near schools … Continue reading →
AZ: Sex registry bill defeated as senators protest failure to expand rights for sex abuse victims
Lawmakers argued passionately and the Senate president turned off a fellow Republican’s microphone as senators killed a bill expanding the … Continue reading →
IN: Prison Sex Offender Treatment vs. The Fifth
Remember the Inquisition where you could either deny your guilt and get burned at the stake, or confess and get … Continue reading →
FL: Housing elderly sex offenders
People on Florida’s list of 73,000 registered offenders who are 65 and older jumped 2 percentage points between 2015 and … Continue reading →
ID: Sex offenders ask court to revive Idaho registry lawsuit
BOISE, Idaho (AP) – A group of 134 sex offenders have asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court to revive their … Continue reading →
FL: Approves Database to Publish Details of People Who Pay for Sex
The Florida legislature passed legislation within the past week, Senate Bill 540 and House Bill 851, to establish a public database that tracks … Continue reading →
VA: A look at why Gov. Northam vetoed a bill related to sex offenders in emergency shelters
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has vetoed legislation that would allow officials to temporarily block convicted sex offenders from using emergency … Continue reading →
Abolish the sex offender registry
It’s not easy to come to the defense of nonviolent sex offenders. Any lawmaker that considers reforming the excessively-punitive registry … Continue reading →
IN: 7th Circuit rules DOC sex offender program violates Constitution
Finding the disclosures provide information that any law enforcement agent “would love to have,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Why We Stay
Recently Fox News did an article on Law & Order TV Director Jace Alexander (son of actress Jane Alexander). Mr. … Continue reading →
The Feds Are Dropping Child Porn Cases Instead of Revealing Info on Their Surveillance Systems
The Department of Justice has been dismissing child pornography cases in order to not reveal information about the software programs … Continue reading →
AZ: Fann removes key roadblock to sex offender registration bill
House Speaker Rusty Bowers’ bill to allow some people to petition to stop registering as a sex offender is back … Continue reading →
CA: Sex offender challenges Commerce residency restrictions
LOS ANGELES (CNS) – An admitted sex offender who is not on parole is suing the city of Commerce, alleging … Continue reading →
CT: Low-risk sex offenders could come off CT registry
HARTFORD — The Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would allow some low-risk offenders to come off the state’s public … Continue reading →
IN: County considers sex offender fee
The Jackson County Commissioners plan to discuss creating an annual fee for work associated with maintaining the county’s sex offender … Continue reading →
NY: Despite Executive Order, Jamestown Public Schools Will Turn Away Registered Sex Offenders During Election
JAMESTOWN – Governor Andrew Cuomo may have signed an executive order that gives voting rights to registered sex offenders, but that doesn’t … Continue reading →
NC: Researchers Say Consensual Sexting Between Teens Should Be Decriminalized
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Sexting in many states is an act that could get your teenager into a lot of trouble. … Continue reading →
ME: Sanford sex offender residency ordinance would cite landlords, property owners
The Sanford City Council is considering a sex offender residency restriction ordinance that would cite landlords and property owners for … Continue reading →
The sex offender registry should assess risk, otherwise it is purely punishment
A not-so-uncommon story: The sexual assault victim — a girl of 16. She’s now 37 years old, happily married to … Continue reading →
CA: Judge Allows San Diego Sex Offender Lawsuit To Proceed
San Diego City Council members are under more pressure to repeal an unenforceable law restricting where sex offenders can live … Continue reading →
IL: Federal Judge Finds Illinois Rules On Sex Offenders Unconstitutional
[wbez.org – 4/1/19] A federal judge in Chicago has found the Illinois Department of Corrections is violating the constitutional … Continue reading →
CT: Lawmakers Debate Changes in Sex Offender Registry
State legislators are debating whether they should make changes in the state’s sex offender registry, which was established in 1998. … Continue reading →
OR: Portland city leader wants landlords to forgive bad credit and crimes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – Hoping to get more people into homes, Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly is proposing that landlords … Continue reading →
AZ: Sex offenders get chance to end life-long registration under House proposal
State lawmakers are weighing whether to give judges more leeway to eliminate the requirement that certain people register for life … Continue reading →
FL: Cops Re-Arrest 26 Sex Offenders in ‘Operation Karma.’ Their Crime? Not Updating Their Car Info.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Department in Florida is touting its successful completion of “Operation Karma,” a three-day sting in which … Continue reading →
MA: Mandatory GPS monitoring of some sex offenders violates privacy rights
Convicted sex offenders retain a constitutional right to privacy, and those rights are being violated by a state law mandating … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: The Registry “Jingles” Away With Your Money
The holidays, a time of giving. But for registrants, that “giving”, goes on all year. Registrants fork over payment for … Continue reading →
WA: Sex offender records request raises safety, First Amendment questions
Attorneys fighting a request to release the names of all level 1 sex offenders in Cowlitz County are making a … Continue reading →
MI: This Proposed Michigan Law Would Treat Parents Who Use Drugs Like Sex Offenders
[filtermag.org – 12/12/18] Sex offender registries and notification laws have proliferated in the name of protecting women and children, despite … Continue reading →
UT: Social work expert disagrees with federal law enforcers about sex offender treatment
[deseretnews.com – 12/15/18] A University of Utah social work professor and therapist disagrees with the state’s top federal law enforcement … Continue reading →
MN: Judge strikes down city ordinance restricting sex offender housing
[startribune.com – 12/18/18] A Hennepin County judge has struck down an ordinance in Dayton, Minn. that restricts where sex offenders … Continue reading →
CT: Commission Considers Changes to State Sex-Offender Registry
Connecticut is steps closer to potentially changing the way the state’s sex-offender registry is managed. The Connecticut Sentencing Commission is … Continue reading →
VA: Father of 5 says life on sex offender registry has forced him and his family into homelessness
Many people may be unconcerned with what someone on the registry goes through, but William Walker said he hopes by … Continue reading →
UT: Most sex offenders will be released from prison – What Utah corrections is doing to keep you safe
The sex offender population at the Utah State Prison continues to grow at a staggering pace. In 1996, there were … Continue reading →
IN: Sex offender questions meaning of ‘obscene’
[tribstar.com – 11/25/18] When community corrections officers went to check on Nathaniel Bennett, who was serving an in-home sentence for … Continue reading →
Cotton wields sex offender report to tank prisons bill
GOP Sen. Tom Cotton is locked in an awkward fight with fellow Republicans over their push to change federal prison … Continue reading →
CA: Changing Minds: Master student’s thesis challenges views on sex offender laws
A California law that will go into effect in 2021 is set to bring about the most sweeping changes ever … Continue reading →
NC: Process for adding out of state convictions to state registry is unconstitutional
[floridaactioncommittee.org – 11/23/18] In an opinion entered earlier this month. A North Carolina District Court Judge found the state’s process … Continue reading →
AZ: Denying Bail
The Arizona Supreme Court got it right: categorical denials of bail to persons charged with sexual assault violates the Constitution. … Continue reading →
NC: High court weighs if tracking sex offenders reasonable
North Carolina’s Supreme Court is re-evaluating whether forcing sex offenders to be perpetually tracked by GPS-linked devices, sometimes for the … Continue reading →
MI: Does v. Snyder brings changes to state’s Sex Offender Registration Law
Six people who filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan, challenging the constitutionality of its Sex Offender Registration Act … Continue reading →
These sex offenders are begging to be deported. Why does California pay millions to keep them?
_____ _____ has a healthy kidney waiting for him in El Salvador. But he can’t get to it. Despite his … Continue reading →
CA: Man Held 17 Years Without Trial Ordered Free by Appellate Court
Attributing a California man’s 17-year detention awaiting trial for commitment as a sexually violent predator to a “systematic breakdown in … Continue reading →
GA: The Jolt: On Stacey Abrams’ ‘08 vote against banishment of sex offenders
[politics.myajc.com – 9/11/18] On Monday, the Georgia GOP again plunged deeply into the legislative record of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey … Continue reading →
SC: Can sex offenders stay at Red Cross shelters?
With Hurricane Florence barreling towards the coast of the Carolinas, residents in multiple counties have been urged to evacuate either … Continue reading →
NE: Judge – Keep juvenile sex offenders off registry
A federal judge has told Nebraska to keep juvenile sex offenders off the state sex offender registry if they weren’t … Continue reading →
TedMed Talk – Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable, Not Inevitable by Elizabeth Letourneau
Elizabeth Letourneau, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Professor, addresses the effectiveness and need of prevention in child sexual … Continue reading →
News Feeds
CA: Simon Isn’t A Sex Offender. But He’s Still on the Registry For Life
SIMON LIU ISN’T A SEX OFFENDER. BUT HE’S STILL ON THE REGISTRY FOR LIFE. California’s expansive registry law forces people … Continue reading →
Singapore: Suspended sentences: Sex offenders should undergo psychological evaluation, treatment
[singaporelawwatch.sg – 5/14/19] In dealing with sex offenders with mental illness, the best solution may not be rehabilitation, says … Continue reading →
UT: Lawmaker calls for study in taking some convicts off sex offender registry
It’s a sensitive issues at the Utah Capitol — maybe close to alcohol policy, marijuana and Medicaid expansion — who … Continue reading →
CA: Santa Clarita City Council To Consider Repeal Of Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
The Santa Clarita City Council is considering repealing restrictions Tuesday which currently limit registered sex offenders from living near schools … Continue reading →
AZ: Sex registry bill defeated as senators protest failure to expand rights for sex abuse victims
Lawmakers argued passionately and the Senate president turned off a fellow Republican’s microphone as senators killed a bill expanding the … Continue reading →
IN: Prison Sex Offender Treatment vs. The Fifth
Remember the Inquisition where you could either deny your guilt and get burned at the stake, or confess and get … Continue reading →
FL: Housing elderly sex offenders
People on Florida’s list of 73,000 registered offenders who are 65 and older jumped 2 percentage points between 2015 and … Continue reading →
ID: Sex offenders ask court to revive Idaho registry lawsuit
BOISE, Idaho (AP) – A group of 134 sex offenders have asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court to revive their … Continue reading →
FL: Approves Database to Publish Details of People Who Pay for Sex
The Florida legislature passed legislation within the past week, Senate Bill 540 and House Bill 851, to establish a public database that tracks … Continue reading →
VA: A look at why Gov. Northam vetoed a bill related to sex offenders in emergency shelters
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has vetoed legislation that would allow officials to temporarily block convicted sex offenders from using emergency … Continue reading →
The Problem with Sex Offender Punishment
Few crimes evoke such passionate and emotional public responses as do those committed by the sexual offender; yet, few crimes … Continue reading →
Abolish the sex offender registry
It’s not easy to come to the defense of nonviolent sex offenders. Any lawmaker that considers reforming the excessively-punitive registry … Continue reading →
IN: 7th Circuit rules DOC sex offender program violates Constitution
Finding the disclosures provide information that any law enforcement agent “would love to have,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Why We Stay
Recently Fox News did an article on Law & Order TV Director Jace Alexander (son of actress Jane Alexander). Mr. … Continue reading →
MI: ACLU pushes for removal of sex offender registry
MICHIGAN — Could the sex offender registry soon be a thing of the past? The American Civil Liberties Union wants … Continue reading →
The Feds Are Dropping Child Porn Cases Instead of Revealing Info on Their Surveillance Systems
The Department of Justice has been dismissing child pornography cases in order to not reveal information about the software programs … Continue reading →
AZ: Fann removes key roadblock to sex offender registration bill
House Speaker Rusty Bowers’ bill to allow some people to petition to stop registering as a sex offender is back … Continue reading →
CA: Sex offender challenges Commerce residency restrictions
LOS ANGELES (CNS) – An admitted sex offender who is not on parole is suing the city of Commerce, alleging … Continue reading →
IN: County considers sex offender fee
The Jackson County Commissioners plan to discuss creating an annual fee for work associated with maintaining the county’s sex offender … Continue reading →
The sex offender registry should assess risk, otherwise it is purely punishment
A not-so-uncommon story: The sexual assault victim — a girl of 16. She’s now 37 years old, happily married to … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: TN HB407 Smells of Genocide
As I watched the TN General Assembly video/April 10th/Finance, Ways & Means Committee/ Vote on part two of HB407, I … Continue reading →
AZ: Stringer fallout halts sex offender registry reform
[eacourier.com – 4/11/19] Legislation that would make more people eligible to have their names removed from Arizona’s sex offender … Continue reading →
CA: Appeals court strikes down state law that banned early parole for youthful violent sex offenders
Two men who received life sentences for a brutal sexual assault and robbery in Oakland when they were 19 must … Continue reading →
WA: Washington Sexting Bill Aims to Shield Teens From Adult Law
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Legislation aimed at keeping youth who send sexually explicit texts from being charged under adult sex … Continue reading →
Canada: Sex-offender registry laws discriminate against mentally ill, court rules
[theprovince.com – 4/4/19] Parts of federal and Ontario laws requiring sex-offender registration where an accused is granted an absolute … Continue reading →
Australia: A public register of child sex offenders will do more harm than good
If politicians are looking for a sure fire vote winner then anything that punishes people convicted of sex offences does … Continue reading →
IA: Iowa Supreme Court rules requiring sex offenders to report social media presence is not a First Amendment violation
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that requiring sex offenders to disclose their social media identities and other digital information does … Continue reading →
Living with 290: Success Story – Certificate of Rehabilitation and Removal from the CA Registry
I want to share a success story of overcoming the confines of being a registrant, and the practical steps I … Continue reading →
Prosecutors Dropping Child Porn Charges After Software Tools Are Questioned
[propublica.org – 4/3/19] Using specialized software, investigators traced explicit child pornography to Todd Hartman’s internet address. A dozen police … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Living in the Gray Zone
A local “sex offender treatment group” recently had a guest speaker from the sheriff’s office. He was there to speak … Continue reading →
International Travel 2019
We have updated our main International Travel section. It features: List of Schengen Nations (allowing entry to registrants); Resources (including … Continue reading →
PA: High Court will again review sex offender registration
Two years ago, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shook up long-settled orthodoxy by ruling that the state’s sex offender registration law, … Continue reading →
CA: Public Safety Committees Stop AB 884, Pass SB 145
The Assembly’s Public Safety Committee today, by a vote of 3 to 4, stopped Assembly Bill 884. Due to the … Continue reading →
CA: Judge Allows San Diego Sex Offender Lawsuit To Proceed
San Diego City Council members are under more pressure to repeal an unenforceable law restricting where sex offenders can live … Continue reading →
IL: Federal Judge Finds Illinois Rules On Sex Offenders Unconstitutional
[wbez.org – 4/1/19] A federal judge in Chicago has found the Illinois Department of Corrections is violating the constitutional … Continue reading →
CT: Lawmakers Debate Changes in Sex Offender Registry
State legislators are debating whether they should make changes in the state’s sex offender registry, which was established in 1998. … Continue reading →
OR: Portland city leader wants landlords to forgive bad credit and crimes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – Hoping to get more people into homes, Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly is proposing that landlords … Continue reading →
AZ: Sex offenders get chance to end life-long registration under House proposal
State lawmakers are weighing whether to give judges more leeway to eliminate the requirement that certain people register for life … Continue reading →
FL: Cops Re-Arrest 26 Sex Offenders in ‘Operation Karma.’ Their Crime? Not Updating Their Car Info.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Department in Florida is touting its successful completion of “Operation Karma,” a three-day sting in which … Continue reading →
MA: Mandatory GPS monitoring of some sex offenders violates privacy rights
Convicted sex offenders retain a constitutional right to privacy, and those rights are being violated by a state law mandating … Continue reading →
Janice’s Journal: Flowers of Justice are Blooming
Spring has begun and the flowers of justice are blooming. One of these flowers, which is especially beautiful and fragrant, … Continue reading →
NCJFCJ Releases Resolution for Sex Offender Requirements for Youth Under Age 18
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) released its latest resolution regarding sex offender requirements for youth under the age of … Continue reading →
CT: Press Release from One Standard of Justice, Inc. re: Windsor Locks federal suit re: “Child Safety Zones”
On March 27, 2018, Stamford attorney Audrey Felsen of Koffsky & Felsen filed suit in federal court seeking declaratory and … Continue reading →
Residency Restrictions: Wise or Unwise
Banishment! In the 21st century many localities in the United States use an ancient means to get rid of people … Continue reading →
NJ: Huge increase in released sex offenders is draining resources from other inmates
Across the United States, a growing number of incarcerated individuals are being released to face the barriers to reintegration with … Continue reading →
CT: Windsor Locks to vote on repealing sex offender proximity ordinance
WINDSOR LOCKS — Nearly a year after an advocacy group and an anonymous resident filed a lawsuit against the town … Continue reading →
MI: ACLU lawsuits look to reform Michigan Sex Offender Registry
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A federal court ruled three years ago that parts of Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry laws were unconstitutional, but … Continue reading →
The Effectiveness of Sex Offender Treatment Programs
An article posted in the Daily Mail on June 24 2016 caught my eye, why?, because it’s something that I … Continue reading →
36 Years In An Illinois Prison Without a Conviction or Sentence
In 1982, Terry Allen was charged with sexual assault, but prosecutors offered him what seemed like a way out. No … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Reframing the Message Begins With You
In a recent chat with a registrant he referred to himself as a “S.O.” /”sex offender”. I was sort of … Continue reading →
Churches Under Fire for Allowing Sex Offenders to Attend Services
[pjmedia.com – 3/7/19] Several churches within the Churches of Christ denomination have come under fire for allowing sex offenders to … Continue reading →
WA: House Passes Responsible Teen Communications Act
[seattlemedium.com – 3/6/19] OLYMPIA – On Monday, the Washington State House of Representatives passed House Bill 1742 on a bipartisan … Continue reading →
FL: Florida’s Sex Offender Registry Proves Inescapable
It was the kind of headline guaranteed to generate clicks even over the winter holidays and amid a federal government … Continue reading →
GA: Georgia Court blocks lifelong GPS tracking of sex offenders
[thebrunswicknews.com – 3/4/19] Georgia’s highest court says it’s unconstitutional to require “sexually dangerous predators” to remain on electronic GPS monitoring … Continue reading →
IN: Amendment bars sex offender from son’s school activities
A registered sex offender previously able to attend his son’s school activities per a trial court-granted request was denied that … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Make a Difference
Like many of you, before I knew someone on the registry or became involved in advocacy, I never gave much … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Court poised to rule for challenger in dispute over constitutionality of sex-offender law
http://amylhowe.com/2019/02/26/argument-analysis-court-poised-to-rule-for-challenger-in-dispute-over-constitutionality-of-sex-offender-law/This morning the Supreme Court heard oral argument in a dispute over the constitutionality of a federal law that requires … Continue reading →
Want to build safer online communities? Drop the ban.
Creating safer and more equitable communities — both in real life, and online — is an important undertaking. Undoubtedly we are in agreement that … Continue reading →
NY: Statement on Landmark Appellate Decision Limiting the Reach of SORA Residency Restrictions
[legalaidnyc.org – 2/21/19] The Legal Aid Society applauded a ruling rendered today by the New York State Appellate Division – … Continue reading →
AR: Senate votes 27-1 for sex-offender bill
[arkansasonline.com – 2/22/19] The Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would allow people convicted of sex offenses not to … Continue reading →
U.S. Marshalls: Citizens can provide leads and tips on non-compliant registrants
[usmarshals.gov] The frightening aspect involves reporting of non-compliant sex offenders. There are so many things wrong with this. First it … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: A Few Words on Suicide
Back in 2017 I wrote a piece on the Women Against Registry website titled “No More Suicides, Please!” So, I … Continue reading →
Number of CA Registrants Tops 110,000 Mark
The current number of individuals required to register in the state of California exceeds 110,000 for the first time, according … Continue reading →
MA: More Than A Quarter Of Boston’s Registered Sex Offenders Are Homeless
The purpose of the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry is to keep track of where dangerous sex offenders are, but what … Continue reading →
Our cruel, counterproductive sex offender laws: Anthony Weiner is a window into what’s wrong with our system of punishment
[nydailynews.com – 2/20/19] Emily Horowitz is a member of the ACSOL Board of Directors and was a Speaker at the … Continue reading →
AZ: MariCo attorney behind push to slightly loosen sex offender registry law
More sex offenders would become eligible to have their names removed from the Arizona’s sex offender registry but would face … Continue reading →
FL: Miami-Dade Sex Offenders ‘Forced to be Homeless’
[thecrimereport.org – 2/19/19] Since he was released from prison almost five years ago, John has never had a place he … Continue reading →
CA: CA Democrats Author Bill to Protect Sex Offenders Who Lure Minors
State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) introduced recent legislation “to end blatant discrimination against LGBT … Continue reading →
CA: ACSOL Supports Senate Bill to Terminate Registration Requirements
The Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws (ACSOL) has agreed to support Senate Bill 145 that would provide judges with … Continue reading →
AL: District Court Determines Alabama Laws to be Punishment
Doe v. Marshall – decided February 11, 2019 Conclusion: Alabama can prosecute sex offenses to the full extent of the law. It … Continue reading →
UK: University launches scheme to rehabilitate sex offenders
Sex offenders will be given support to help find a job and make new friends under a pioneering scheme run … Continue reading →
CNMI: Sex registry’s constitutionality questioned
Northern Mariana Islands – A registered sex offender, whose adult girlfriend is currently pregnant, is questioning the constitutionality of the law … Continue reading →
Conference Call re. Michigan AG Dana Nessel Amicus Briefs
Women Against Registry – Have Questions? We have received many questions since notifying our members of the amicus briefs filed … Continue reading →
CA: Sex Offender Seeks Access to Son’s School to Enhance His Learning
An admitted registered sex offender is suing the Lancaster School District, alleging he is being wrongfully denied access to his … Continue reading →
England: Headteacher banned after ‘she didn’t disclose relationship with sex offender’
[birminghammail.co.uk – 2/6/19] A headteacher has been banned from the country’s classrooms after she failed to disclose her relationship with … Continue reading →
ACSOL Leads Lobby Day 2019 in State Capitol
ACSOL led about 40 registrants, family members and supporters in Lobby Day 2019 in the CA State Capitol. The participants … Continue reading →
Trinidad and Tobago: Senator objects to public naming of sex convicts
[guardian.co.tt – 2/5/19] At least one Independent Senator is not in support of the names of sexual offenders going public. … Continue reading →
Antigua & Barbuda To Implement Sex Offenders’ Registry
[stluciatimes.com – 2/2/19] Antigua Observer:- Residents will soon be alerted when a sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Attorney General … Continue reading →
Florida State Senator Lauren Book introduced Senate Bill 540 that includes the establishment of a “Soliciting for Prostitution Registry”
[flsenate.gov – 1/25/19] SB 540: Human Trafficking GENERAL BILL by Book Human Trafficking; Requiring the owner or operator of a … Continue reading →
CA: Appellate Court Rules in Registrant’s Favor in Prop. 57 Case
An appellate court in California ruled today that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) must provide consideration for … Continue reading →
Should we show compassion?
The story of a couple who were found dead inside of a tent at a homeless encampment has led to … Continue reading →
CA: San Diego Federal Judge Denies City’s Motion to Dismiss Challenge to Residency Restrictions
[ACSOL] A federal judge today denied a Motion to Dismiss filed by the City of San Diego that, if granted, … Continue reading →
IA: Bill to Require Continued Registration
… One area I have been working on in past years has to do with requiring sex offenders that have … Continue reading →
Registrants needed for survey: Economic Impact of the Sex Offender Registry (ends March 1)
Below is a request for registrants only to provide researchers with information about economic impacts of the registry. If you … Continue reading →
FL: Comprehensive ‘Florida First Step Act’ Excludes Registrants
Sen. Jeff Brandes is spearheading the state’s criminal justice reform initiative. SB 642 is his 10th justice reform-related bill pre-filed for … Continue reading →
United States v. Moorehead
The FBI accessed Playpen and verified that the website contained child pornography, then executed a search warrant at a North … Continue reading →
Formerly Incarcerated Sex Offenders Say Civil Commitment Programs Deny Proper Rehabilitation
Responding to several highly-publicized sex crimes and public fears, legislatures across the country have adopted statutes that allow the continued … Continue reading →
IL: Court tosses lawsuit in sex-video suicide case
A federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a lawsuit brought against a suburban Chicago school by parents of a student … Continue reading →
South Africa: Call for sex offenders’ list to be made public
[www.iol.co.za – 1/24/19] DURBAN – Child rights organisation Save the Children has launched an online petition calling on Police Minister … Continue reading →
CA: Wiener legislation seeks to end ‘blatant discrimination’ in sex offender registry laws
A new state bill introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, could possibly change the way young offenders, specifically those … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Death of a Registrant: Two Different Perspectives
The recent heart attack and subsequent death of a registrant who attended a “sex offender” treatment group for the past … Continue reading →
HI: Proposal would put tough restrictions on where sex offenders can live
A proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 … Continue reading →
MI: Sex Offender Registry afoul of constitution (Editorial)
Michigan lawmakers seem keen on making important reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, which should expand protections for civil … Continue reading →
New Zealand: Public vilification a factor in Wellington academic sentencing
[stuff.co.nz – 1/28/19] Convicted sex offender ______ likely received a lesser sentence because of the potential “vilification” he would face, … Continue reading →
Civil Regulation? The Registry and its Components are in fact Legislative Punishment
[sosen.org – 1/12/19] The first thing that must be pointed out is that the sex offender registry came about because … Continue reading →
ACLU suit seeks changes to Michigan sex offender registry
Civil rights advocates say Does # 1-6 v. Snyder, No. 16-cv-13137 E.D. Mich. is an example of how thousands of people … Continue reading →
NH: Relief for Some Persons on the NH Sex Offender Registry
Effective June 6, 2016, in New Hampshire, Tier 2 and Tier 3 sex offenders who were convicted before 1992 have … Continue reading →
FL: Women Against Registry Call to Action – Video visits replacing in-person visits.
Seminole County Jail inmates can no longer handle letters or pictures mailed by family and friends as a new system … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Blimey, Who Does Australia’s Fact Checking?
Peter Dutton, Minister for Home Affairs in Australia wants to be the white knight riding in to save his constituents … Continue reading →
SC bill would prohibit sex offenders from working, volunteering around kids
[live5news.com – 1/15/19] MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Right now, registered sex offenders are allowed to work and volunteer around … Continue reading →
‘Untouchable’ Makes the Case for More Lenient Sex Offender Laws in America
A new documentary forwards the argument that our sex-offender laws are based largely on bogus stats and deserve to be … Continue reading →
AUS: Peter Dutton proposes public register of child sex offenders
Child sex offenders could have their names and photos uploaded to a public register in what is being described as … Continue reading →
Untouchable (Film) Available for Streaming on January 15
Untouchable, the award-winning documentary that takes an unflinching look at sex offenders, the laws used to punish them, and the people … Continue reading →
New US Sentencing Commission Report: Mandatory Minimums for Federal Sex Offenses
This publication examines the application of mandatory minimum penalties specific to federal sex offenses; it is the sixth and final … Continue reading →
IL: Man sues state’s attorney, officials for $10M over sex offender registration
A convicted sex offender who claims he was innocent is suing St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly and state … Continue reading →
FL: Miami-Herald: FAC Opinion Published
[floridaactioncommittee.org – 1/4/19. Not available on miamiherald.com] An opinion piece in response to a recent article in the Miami Herald … Continue reading →
OR: Living with a label
For most youth, childhood is a seemingly innocent and simple time, typically full of school work, play time and life … Continue reading →
NARSOL: RIT study is Butner Redux deja vu
[narsol.org – 1/7/19] Michael M . . . A recent study conducted by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology, … Continue reading →
Civil Rights Attorney to be Keynote Speaker at ACSOL’s Conference on June 14 and June 15
Civil rights attorney Adele Nicholas will be the keynote speaker at ACSOL’s third annual conference to be held on June … Continue reading →
Why Should Feminists Be Against the Sex Offender Registry?
In October, the Supreme Court heard a case that was painfully ironic, considering the Kavanaugh hearings the nation had just … Continue reading →
OK: Some law enforcement worry new, stricter law will discourage sex offenders from registering
A new law that further tightens restrictions on where sex offenders can live has some law enforcement agencies concerned it … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: There’s No Making Sense of Residency and Presence Restrictions
Registrants receive mixed messages when trying to make sense of the registry’s Residency & Presence Regulations. If you haven’t already, … Continue reading →
TX: Ex-Baylor frat president indicted on 4 counts of sex assault won’t go to prison
[cnn.com – 12/11/18] Even though Jacob Walter Anderson was indicted on four counts of sexual assault, the ex-fraternity president won’t … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Who Gets to Define the Crime?
Agencies have to interpret statutes to carry out the work of the administrative state. But in the hands of federal … Continue reading →
Proposed 2019 Amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines [open to public comments!]
[ussc.gov – 12/13/19] During a public meeting this morning, the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to publish for comment proposed amendments … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: The Registry “Jingles” Away With Your Money
The holidays, a time of giving. But for registrants, that “giving”, goes on all year. Registrants fork over payment for … Continue reading →
WA: Sex offender records request raises safety, First Amendment questions
Attorneys fighting a request to release the names of all level 1 sex offenders in Cowlitz County are making a … Continue reading →
MI: This Proposed Michigan Law Would Treat Parents Who Use Drugs Like Sex Offenders
[filtermag.org – 12/12/18] Sex offender registries and notification laws have proliferated in the name of protecting women and children, despite … Continue reading →
UT: Social work expert disagrees with federal law enforcers about sex offender treatment
[deseretnews.com – 12/15/18] A University of Utah social work professor and therapist disagrees with the state’s top federal law enforcement … Continue reading →
MN: Judge strikes down city ordinance restricting sex offender housing
[startribune.com – 12/18/18] A Hennepin County judge has struck down an ordinance in Dayton, Minn. that restricts where sex offenders … Continue reading →
CT: Commission Considers Changes to State Sex-Offender Registry
Connecticut is steps closer to potentially changing the way the state’s sex-offender registry is managed. The Connecticut Sentencing Commission is … Continue reading →
PA: Superior Court removes Allegheny County judge from sex offender’s resentencing
The state Superior Court, in a rare move Wednesday, ordered Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel to be … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Lessons Learned
Our family member has been on the registry for a year. I know that in the grand scheme of things, … Continue reading →
Are Sex Offenders Categorically Unworthy Of Rights?
It’s bad enough, both for substantive as well as factual reasons, that the Supreme Court in Smith v. Doe held … Continue reading →
David Comes Out Against Sex Offender Registry [David Pakman Show on YouTube]
[YouTube – 11/4/18] After receiving a question from a viewer last week, David comes out against the sex offender registry. … Continue reading →
OK: Police Oppose New Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
[newson6.com – 11/1/18] Tulsa police say that the new laws will prevent registrants from living in the entire city of … Continue reading →
Group that promotes ‘rational sex offense laws’ says it’ll open Halloween hotline (NARSOL)
A group that says it advocates for ‘rational sexual offense laws’ is organizing a nationwide Halloween hotline and vows to … Continue reading →
CA: Governor Vetoes Eight Sex Offender Bills
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a total of eight sex offender bills, passed by the state legislature, that could have negatively … Continue reading →
NE: Federal judge pulls stay that kept juveniles off sex offender registry
A federal judge Monday lifted the stay he issued last month that had kept the Nebraska State Patrol from putting … Continue reading →
Discussion: How can registrants make a living?
This is an open discussion where you can share your ideas on how we registrants can find employment in a … Continue reading →
States Can’t Make Up New Laws to Punish Old Conduct Just Because They Call Them “Civil”
Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution provides that “[n]o State shall … pass any … Ex Post Facto law.” … Continue reading →
Bethea v. North Carolina – we hold our breath for the SCOTUS decision to review
For those affected by a public registry, all eyes and ears on focused on the US Supreme Court right now. … Continue reading →
Guy Hamilton-Smith on Sex Offender Registration & Social Media
In this episode, Guy Hamilton-Smith, Legal Fellow at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource … Continue reading →
FL: Ex Post Facto Lawsuit Filed (FAC)
A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court challenging the Florida Sex Offender registry. The suit is a facial challenge, filed … Continue reading →
‘There was a lot of shame’: meet the sex offender ‘who is not a sex offender’
What happens when people convicted of nonsexual crimes are labeled as “sex offenders”? A man in New York state is … Continue reading →
CA: When Handing Out Candy To Trick-or-Treaters Means Risking Arrest
[theappeal.org – 10/1/18] Lawyer [Janice M. Bellucci] seeks end to Halloween restrictions that target people convicted of sex offenses. Before … Continue reading →
Inmates in Pennsylvania launch boycott of prison profiteers
[workers.org – 9/27/18] “I am going to boycott the third-party correspondence system,” Bryant Arroyo, an activist and organizer currently detained … Continue reading →
NY: Banished from New York City : The Legality, Policy Considerations, and Practical Implications of the Housing Restrictions Faced by People on the Sex Offender Registry
[nycbar.org – 9/11/18] In New York City, there are hundreds of men and women on the sex offender registry who … Continue reading →
India gets a sex offenders registry. What’s that?
[indiatoday.in – 9/13/21] India’s new National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO), a resource only law enforcement authorities can access, has … Continue reading →
MI: Does v. Snyder brings changes to state’s Sex Offender Registration Law
Six people who filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan, challenging the constitutionality of its Sex Offender Registration Act … Continue reading →
TX: Something Is Wrong with the Sex Offender Registry, and Deregistration Is the Only Tool We Have to Fix It
Something is wrong with the sex offender registry. It is not working the way it was intended to work. Worse, … Continue reading →
Living with 290: Not above the law
No one is above the law. Punish me for the crimes I committed, but obey the law yourselves in doing … Continue reading →
Living with 290: No More use of the term “Sex Offender”
I would like to ask and insist that we all stop, that is STOP using the words “sex offender.” It’s … Continue reading →
The polygraph as applied: Are we focusing on technology at the expense of everything else that works?
[sajrt.blogspot.com – 8/22/18] By David S. Prescott, LICSW, Kieran McCartan, Ph.D., &Alissa Ackerman, Ph.D. Nothing divides the professional and academic … Continue reading →
Registration Influenced by Racial Bias, Ohio Study Claims
The classification of sex offenders based on the risks they pose to the community following their release from prison is … Continue reading →
On America’s Civil Death Penalty: The Sexual Offense Registry
“If America had a civil death penalty, putting people on sex registries would be it.”
Continue reading →NY: Couple raises concerns about 5 sex offenders living in nearby home
[news12.com – 8/4/18]SHIRLEY – A Shirley couple says five sex offenders are living together in their community nearly 80 feet … Continue reading →
NJ: Court Stops Retroactive Application of Lifetime Registration Law
An appellate court in New Jersey has ruled that the state government cannot retroactively apply a new law that requires … Continue reading →
WA: Judges Denies Lakewood’s Request To Stop Sex Offender Relocation
[patch.com – 8/6/18]LAKEWOOD, WA – A Pierce County judge has denied Lakewood’s request to stop the transfer of three sex … Continue reading →
NC: Court Determines GPS Tracking Devices Unconstitutional
The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the state government’s requirement that registrants wear a GPS tracking device … Continue reading →
MA: Court Recognizes Harm to Registrants, Rules in Their Favor
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Council, the state’s supreme court, has ruled in favor of registrants who were trying either to … Continue reading →
KS: Salina art organization directors resign amid concern over sex offender volunteer
[kake.com – 8/3/18]SALINA, Kan. (KAKE) – The SPARK Artist Resource Exchange was supposed to be an organization of artists who … Continue reading →
CA: Scammers Target Los Angeles Registrants, Families
Scammers, who often pose on the phone as law enforcement officials, are threatening registrants with arrest and demanding immediate payment … Continue reading →
Case Spotlight: International Travel Notification
In 2011, the Supplemental Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification officially included in SORNA’s standards the obligation that jurisdictions … Continue reading →
CA: Did California Authorities Suppress Research on Sexually Violent Predators?
[thecrimereport.org – 8/3/18]State laws that allow sexually violent predators to be locked up even after they have served their sentences … Continue reading →
HI: Dozens of sex predators registered as living in Oahu parks
Hawaii’s sex offender registry is meant to keep people safe by requiring convicted sex criminals to submit their address to an … Continue reading →
OH: Springfield Township man claims Ohio’s sex offender parole law won’t allow visits with son
A Springfield Township man filed a federal lawsuit challenging Ohio’s sex offender parole law as unconstitutional because it forbids him … Continue reading →
NY: Critics say pardons will give sex offenders access to schools
[timesunion.com – 7/24/18]ALBANY — Schools are generally off-limits for sex offenders, but not when it comes time to vote. A … Continue reading →
MD: State funding to go toward ensuring sex offender compliance
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will soon receive over $24,000 from the state to help enforce Maryland sex offender registry … Continue reading →
MO: SB655 changes Missouri’s sex offender list
A lot of people have been talking about how Senate Bill 655 adjusts how old one must be to get … Continue reading →
ICE arrests 2K child predators, skit compares it to ISIS
[onenewsnow.com – 7/23/18]After comedian Michelle Wolf compared the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Islamic terrorist group … Continue reading →
MA: Court: Board needs proof in sex offender reclassification
[thesunchronicle.com – 8/1/18] BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board has the burden of proof when determining whether … Continue reading →
Recommended Movies to Watch
When the most powerful lobbyist in Florida discovers that the nanny has sexually abused his daughter, he harnesses his extraordinary political power to pass the toughest sex offender laws in the nation. UNTOUCHABLE chronicles his crusade, and its impact on the lives of those forced to live under the laws he has championed. The film interweaves intimate portraits of men and women branded sex offenders with the heartbreaking stories of those who have suffered sexual abuse. Through surprising revelations, the film defies expectations and challenges assumptions about danger, sexual abuse and the strategies we’ve employed to keep our children safe.