In sentencing, further providing for period of registration and for registration; and establishing the Registration of Sexual Offenders Restricted Account.
Impact
The bill is expected to have a substantial impact on the state's handling of sexual offender registrations. By instituting an annual fee of $40, the legislation seeks to create a dedicated fund for the management and improvement of the sexual offender registry. The approach is designed to ensure that the Pennsylvania State Police have adequate resources to maintain the registry and fulfill their duties effectively, enhancing the security measures in place for managing sexual offenders in the state.
Summary
House Bill 2409 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the registration of sexual offenders. The bill introduces provisions relating to the period of registration and establishes a new financial mechanism through the 'Registration of Sexual Offenders Restricted Account.' This account will be funded through an annual registration fee imposed by the Pennsylvania State Police on individuals required to register as sexual offenders.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB2409 appears to be generally supportive among legislators concerned with public safety and effective law enforcement. Advocates argue that the bill will provide necessary funding and resources, thus strengthening efforts to monitor and manage sexual offenders. However, there could be opposition from those who view the imposition of fees as an additional burden on individuals already facing significant limitations on their rights and freedoms, raising concerns over fairness and the potential for increased financial hardship.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may revolve around the implications of charging offenders a registration fee and how it aligns with principles of justice and rehabilitation. Critics may argue that implementing a fee system could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals required to register, while supporters may counter that the need for a sustainable funding source for law enforcement and public safety outweighs these concerns. Furthermore, the establishment of a restricted account introduces a layer of financial management that might require scrutiny regarding how these funds are allocated and used.
In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of fertility fraud; in particular rights and immunities, providing for damages in actions for fertility fraud; and, in sentencing, further providing for applicability, for sexual offenses and tier system and for period of registration.
In falsification and intimidation, further providing for failure to comply with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. I registration requirements; and, in sentencing, further providing for registration.
In falsification and intimidation, further providing for failure to comply with 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. I registration requirements; and, in sentencing, further providing for registration.
In falsification and intimidation, providing for the offense of failure to comply with child abuse offender registration requirements; in sentencing, providing for registration of child abuse offenders; and imposing penalties.
In registration of vehicles, providing for vendor-designed registration plates; and establishing the Pennsylvania State Police Traffic Safety Enhancement Restricted Account.
In registration of vehicles, further providing for lost, stolen, damaged or illegible registration plate and for use of farm vehicle plates, providing for Pennsylvania Sportsman plate and establishing the Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account.
In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.
Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.
In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.