Connecticut Senate Bill SB01152

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/13
• Refer: 3/25/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Petition For Release From The Requirement To Register As A Sexual Offender For Life.

Impact

The bill aims to amend existing statutes surrounding the registration of sexual offenders, particularly Sections 54-251 and 54-252 of the general statutes. By allowing eligible individuals to seek the removal of their registration status after a decade of compliance, it reduces the burden on those who have shown significant rehabilitation. This change could positively impact their reintegration into society, as it may alleviate barriers to employment, housing, and social stigmatization associated with being a lifelong registrant.

Summary

SB01152, titled 'An Act Concerning Petition For Release From The Requirement To Register As A Sexual Offender For Life', proposes a statutory amendment allowing individuals who have been on the sexual offender registry for at least ten years to petition the Superior Court for removal from this requirement. The intent is to provide a pathway for those who have demonstrated compliance with their registration conditions to seek relief from the stigma and limitations imposed by their status as registrants. The bill outlines the process for such petitions and emphasizes the need for notification of victims as part of the procedure.

Contention

The proposal has generated discussions regarding public safety and the rights of victims. Proponents argue that it balances the need for rehabilitation with necessary protective measures, as the courts will consider the safety risk posed by the petitioner in their evaluation. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for reoffending and the implications of allowing registrants to be relieved of their requirements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining awareness of such individuals in communities.