Connecticut House Bill HB05873

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Police Verification Of Registered Sexual Offenders' Addresses.

Impact

If passed, this bill would mandate police departments to ensure that the physical residency of registered sexual offenders is verified and comply with specified setbacks. This update to the law would enhance the notification process to local chief elected officials, ensuring that municipalities are informed about the locations of offenders within their jurisdiction. This change is expected to lead to increased accountability and a more transparent system for tracking offenders and safeguarding communities.

Summary

House Bill 05873 seeks to amend the existing regulations concerning the verification of addresses for registered sexual offenders. The bill specifically changes the requirement from verifying a registered offender's mailing address to their physical address. This shift is aimed at strengthening compliance with state laws and local ordinances regarding safety setbacks that are designed to protect communities from potential risks associated with registered offenders living in close proximity to sensitive locations such as schools and parks.

Contention

Supporters of HB 05873 argue that verifying the physical addresses of sexual offenders is crucial for community safety and will help prevent potential incidents. They believe that the current system's reliance on mailing addresses may not accurately reflect where offenders are living, posing risks to public safety. On the other hand, opponents of the bill might raise concerns regarding privacy and the implications of increased scrutiny on individuals who have already served their sentences. They may also question whether the proposed changes effectively address the issues at hand or simply exacerbate societal stigma around certain populations.