NY State Senate Bill 2011-S1531

Senate Bill S1531

2011-2012 Legislative Session

Expands the information that will be maintained on sex offenders by the division of criminal justice services

download bill text pdf

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

Please enter your contact information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

A valid email address is required.

Home address is used to determine the senate district in which you reside. Your support or opposition to this bill is then shared immediately with the senator who represents you.

Optional services from the NY State Senate:

Create an account. An account allows you to officially support or oppose key legislation, sign petitions with a single click, and follow issues, committees, and bills that matter to you. When you create an account, you agree to this platform's terms of participation.

Include a custom message for your Senator? (Optional)

Enter a message to your senator. Many New Yorkers use this to share the reasoning behind their support or opposition to the bill. Others might share a personal anecdote about how the bill would affect them or people they care about.

Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Mar 20, 2012	print number 1531a
Mar 20, 2012	amend and recommit to finance reported and committed to finance
Jan 04, 2012	referred to crime victims, crime and correction
Jan 10, 2011	referred to crime victims, crime and correction

Votes

- Mar 20, 2012 - Crime Victims, Crime And Correction Committee Vote
  S1531
  
  10
  
  Aye
  
  2
  
  Nay
  
  2
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Crime Victims, Crime And Correction Committee Vote: Mar 20, 2012
      
      aye (10)
      
      DeFrancisco
      
      Espaillat
      
      Gallivan
      
      Griffo
      
      Kennedy
      
      Maziarz
      
      Nozzolio
      
      Peralta
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Ritchie
      
      nay (2)
      
      Hassell-Thompson
      
      Rivera
      
      aye wr (2)
      
      Little
      
      Montgomery

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

2011-S1531 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Correction Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§168-b - 168-f, 168-j - 168-l, 168-q & 168-t, Cor L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2009-2010: S1486
2013-2014: S1389

2011-S1531 - Summary

Requires the division of criminal justice services to maintain a record of the social security number, license plate number, motor vehicle description, employment address and criminal history of sex offenders; requires level 3 sex offenders to personally verify their registration every 3 months; requires level 2 sex offenders to personally verify their registration every 6 months; requires level 1 sex offenders to personally verify their registration annually

2011-S1531 - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S1531

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the general business law,
in relation to the lawful sale of
scrap copper and other metals by junk dealers

PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill would: (1) impose stricter regulations on salvage dealers
and scrap metal processors who purchase scrap metals; (2) amend the
penalties for scrap metal dealers and scram metal sellers who engage
in illegal transactions in violation of these provisions; and (3)
increase the monetary damages levied against defendants convicted of
these offenses.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill would amend General Business Law (GEL) 5 62 to
require salvage dealers to obtain a copy of a government-issued
identification card from the seller of scrap metals, and would
require sellers to provide written verification of their authority to
sell such scrap metal.

Section 2 of the bill would make a conforming change to GEL § 63 to
ensure that dealers segregate purchased scrap metal for the

statutorily required 5-day period.

Section 3 of the bill would add a new GEL § 63-b to restrict the sale
of certain items, including street signs, propane containers for
fueling forklifts, funeral markers or any metal items bearing
markings of a governmental entity, utility company, cemetery ox
railroad.

Section 4 of the bill would amend GEL § 64 Penalties. 1. Each
violation of this article, either by the junk dealer, the agent or
servant thereof, shall be a misdemeanor and the person convicted
shall in addition to other penalties imposed, forfeit his or her
license to do business.

In addition to a term of imprisonment, where any junk dealer, agent or
servant thereof has been convicted pursuant to section one of this
subsection provided further that the junk dealer, agent or servant
thereof has gained money or property through a violation of this
article the court, upon conviction thereof may sentence the defendant
to pay an amount. fixed by the court not exceeding double the amount
of the defendants gain from the commission of the offense.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2011-2012: S 1779-B Referred to Consumer Protection; Amended and
Recommitted to Consumer Protection Print 1779A; Amend and recommitted

to Consumer Protection Print number 1779B; Referred to Consumer
Protection
2009-2010: 56035 Referred to Rules; Referred to Consumer Protection;
Reported to Rules; Committee discharged and committed to Rules.
In 2008, the Legislature passed similar legislation (S.4023-D
(Volker/B.6250-D (Peoples)), which the Governor was constrained to
veto (Veto number 157 of 2008).

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT:
In 2008, there was a spike in thefts of metals from vacant buildings
and construction sites (electrical wires and plumbing pipes),
cemeteries (grave markers) and other locations, by thieves who would
resell the stolen metals to salvage yards for recycling. The Division
of Criminal Justice services (DCJS) reported, for example, that
Rochester saw an approximately 15 percent increase in burglaries from
2007 to 2008, and that nearly 16 percent of all burglaries in
Rochester area associated with copper theft. Law enforcement
officials in other counties reported that they have had reports of
copper theft on a daily basis. This increase in thefts appears to be
the result of record high metal prices. For example, copper prices
increased nationally by 160 percent between March 2005 and April 2006.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
This bill would have no fiscal impact.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill would take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

2011-S1531 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  1531

                       2011-2012 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            January 10, 2011
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  SKELOS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims,  Crime  and
  Correction

AN  ACT  to  amend the correction law, in relation to the maintenance of
  information on sex offenders, registration  and  verification  by  sex
  offenders,  the subdirectory of sex offenders, and the penalty for the
  failure of a sex offender to comply with verification and registration
  requirements

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. Paragraphs (a) and (e) of subdivision 1 of section 168-b of
the  correction  law, paragraph (a) as amended by chapter 67 of the laws
of 2008 and paragraph (e) as amended by chapter 10 of the laws of  2003,
are amended and a new paragraph (e-1) is added to read as follows:
  (a) The sex offender's name, all aliases used, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER,
date  of  birth,  sex, race, height, weight, eye color, driver's license
number, LICENSE PLATE NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF ANY MOTOR VEHICLE  OWNED
OR  OPERATED  BY THE SEX OFFENDER, home address and/or expected place of
domicile, any internet accounts with internet access providers belonging
to such offender and internet identifiers that such offender uses.
  (e) [If the sex offender has been given  a  level  three  designation,
such] THE offender's employment address and/or expected place of employ-
ment.
  (E-1)  THE CRIMINAL HISTORY OF THE SEX OFFENDER, INCLUDING THE DATE OF
ALL ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS; THE STATUS OF PAROLE, PROBATION OR  RELEASE
UNDER SUPERVISION; REGISTRATION STATUS; THE EXISTENCE OF ANY OUTSTANDING
ARREST  WARRANTS  FOR  THE  SEX  OFFENDER;  AND  A  PHOTOCOPY OF THE SEX
OFFENDER'S DRIVER'S LICENSE OR GOVERNMENT ISSUED IDENTIFICATION CARD.
  S 2. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 168-c of the correction  law,  as
amended  by  chapter  11  of  the  laws  of 2002, are amended to read as
follows:

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD06234-01-1

S. 1531                             2

  1. In the case of any sex offender,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the
department,  hospital or local correctional facility at least ten calen-
dar days prior to the release or discharge of any sex  offender  from  a
correctional facility, hospital or local correctional facility to notify
the division of the contemplated release or discharge of such sex offen-
der,  informing  the division in writing on a form provided by the divi-
sion indicating the address at which he or she proposes  to  reside  and
the  name and address of any institution of higher education at which he
or she expects to  be  enrolled,  attending  or  employed,  whether  for
compensation  or not, and whether he or she resides in or will reside in
a facility owned or operated by such institution, AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S
EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS AND/OR EXPECTED PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.    If  such  sex
offender  changes  his  or  her place of residence while on parole, such
notification of the change  of  residence  shall  be  sent  by  the  sex
offender's  parole officer within forty-eight hours to the division on a
form provided by the division. If such sex offender changes  the  status
of  his  or  her  enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any
institution of higher education,  OR  EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS  OR  PLACE  OF
EMPLOYMENT  while  on  parole, such notification of the change of status
shall be sent by the sex offender's parole  officer  within  forty-eight
hours to the division on a form provided by the division.
  2.  In the case of any sex offender on probation, it shall be the duty
of the sex offender's probation officer to notify  the  division  within
forty-eight  hours  of  the new place of residence on a form provided by
the division. If such sex offender changes the  status  of  his  or  her
enrollment,  attendance,  employment  or residence at any institution of
higher education, OR EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT while  on
probation,  such  notification  of the change of status shall be sent by
the sex offender's probation officer within  forty-eight  hours  to  the
division on a form provided by the division.
  S  3. Subdivision 2 of section 168-d of the correction law, as amended
by chapter 684 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
  2. Any sex offender, who is released on probation or  discharged  upon
payment  of  a  fine,  conditional  discharge or unconditional discharge
shall, prior to such release or discharge, be informed  of  his  or  her
duty  to register under this article by the court in which he or she was
convicted. At the time sentence is  imposed,  such  sex  offender  shall
register with the division on a form prepared by the division. The court
shall  require  the  sex  offender  to  read  and  sign such form and to
complete the registration portion of such form. The court shall on  such
form  obtain  the  address where the sex offender expects to reside upon
his or her release, and the name and address of any institution of high-
er education he or she expects to be employed by, enrolled in, attending
or employed, whether for compensation or not,  and  whether  he  or  she
expects  to  reside  in a facility owned or operated by such an institu-
tion, AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS AND/OR EXPECTED PLACE OF
EMPLOYMENT, and shall report such information to the division. The court
shall give one copy of the form to the sex offender and shall  send  two
copies  to  the  division which shall forward the information to the law
enforcement agencies having jurisdiction. The court  shall  also  notify
the  district  attorney and the sex offender of the date of the determi-
nation proceeding to be held  pursuant  to  subdivision  three  of  this
section,  which shall be held at least forty-five days after such notice
is given. This  notice  shall  include  the  following  statement  or  a
substantially  similar  statement:  "This  proceeding  is  being held to
determine whether you will be classified as a level 3 offender (risk  of

S. 1531                             3

repeat  offense  is high), a level 2 offender (risk of repeat offense is
moderate), or a level 1 offender (risk of repeat  offense  is  low),  or
whether  you will be designated as a sexual predator, a sexually violent
offender  or a predicate sex offender, which will determine how long you
must register as a sex offender and how much information can be provided
to the public concerning your registration. If you  fail  to  appear  at
this  proceeding,  without  sufficient  excuse, it shall be held in your
absence. Failure to appear may result in a longer period of registration
or a higher level of community notification because you are not  present
to offer evidence or contest evidence offered by the district attorney."
The  court shall also advise the sex offender that he or she has a right
to a hearing prior to the court's determination, that he or she has  the
right  to be represented by counsel at the hearing and that counsel will
be appointed if he or she is financially unable to  retain  counsel.  If
the  sex  offender applies for assignment of counsel to represent him or
her at the hearing and counsel was not previously assigned to  represent
the  sex  offender  in  the  underlying criminal action, the court shall
determine whether the offender is financially unable to retain  counsel.
If  such  a finding is made, the court shall assign counsel to represent
the sex offender pursuant to article eighteen-B of the county law. Where
the court orders a sex offender released on probation, such  order  must
include  a  provision  requiring that he or she comply with the require-
ments of this article. Where such sex offender violates such  provision,
probation  may  be immediately revoked in the manner provided by article
four hundred ten of the criminal procedure law.
  S 4. Subdivision 1 of section 168-e of the correction law, as  amended
by chapter 11 of the laws of 2002, is amended to read as follows:
  1.  Any  sex offender, to be discharged, paroled, released to post-re-
lease supervision or released  from  any  state  or  local  correctional
facility,  hospital  or  institution  where  he  or  she was confined or
committed, shall at least fifteen  calendar  days  prior  to  discharge,
parole or release, be informed of his or her duty to register under this
article,  by  the facility in which he or she was confined or committed.
The facility shall require the sex offender to read and sign  such  form
as  may be required by the division stating the duty to register and the
procedure for registration has been explained  to  him  or  her  and  to
complete  the  registration  portion  of  such  form. The facility shall
obtain on such form the address where the sex offender expects to reside
upon his or her discharge, parole or release and the name and address of
any institution of higher education he or she expects to be employed by,
enrolled in, attending or employed, whether for compensation or not, and
whether he or she expects to reside in a facility owned or  operated  by
such  an  institution,  AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS AND/OR
EXPECTED PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, and shall report such information  to  the
division. The facility shall give one copy of the form to the sex offen-
der, retain one copy and shall send one copy to the division which shall
provide the information to the law enforcement agencies having jurisdic-
tion.  The  facility  shall give the sex offender a form prepared by the
division, to register with the division at least fifteen  calendar  days
prior  to  release  and  such form shall be completed, signed by the sex
offender and sent to the division by the  facility  at  least  ten  days
prior to the sex offender's release or discharge.
  S  5.  Subdivisions  2  and  4 of section 168-f of the correction law,
subdivision 2 as added by chapter 192 of the  laws  of  1995,  paragraph
(b-1)  of  subdivision  2  as amended by chapter 10 of the laws of 2003,
paragraphs (b-2), (b-3) and (c-1) of subdivision 2 as added by section 2

S. 1531                             4

of part O of chapter 56 of the laws of 2005, paragraph (c)  of  subdivi-
sion  2  as amended by chapter 453 of the laws of 1999 and subdivision 4
as amended by chapter 67 of the laws of 2008, are  amended  to  read  as
follows:
  2.  For a sex offender required to register under this article on each
anniversary of the sex offender's initial registration date  during  the
period in which he OR SHE is required to register under this section the
following applies:
  (a)  The sex offender shall mail the verification form to the division
within ten calendar days after receipt of the form.
  (b) The verification form shall be signed by  the  sex  offender,  and
state  that  he OR SHE still resides at the address last reported to the
division[.
  (b-1) If the sex offender has been given a  level  three  designation,
such  offender  shall  sign  the verification form, and state that he or
she] AND still is employed at the address last reported to the division.
  [(b-2)] (B-1) If the sex offender has been given a level three  desig-
nation,  he or she shall personally appear at the law enforcement agency
having jurisdiction within [twenty days of the first anniversary]  THREE
MONTHS of the sex offender's initial registration and every [year] THREE
MONTHS  thereafter  during the period of registration for the purpose of
providing a current photograph of such  offender.  The  law  enforcement
agency  having  jurisdiction shall photograph the sex offender and shall
promptly forward a copy of such photograph to the division. For purposes
of this paragraph, if such sex offender is confined in a state or  local
correctional facility, the local law enforcement agency having jurisdic-
tion  shall  be  the  warden, superintendent, sheriff or other person in
charge of the state or local correctional facility.
  [(b-3)] (B-2) If the sex offender has been  given  a  [level  one  or]
level  two  designation,  he  or  she shall personally appear at the law
enforcement agency having jurisdiction within [twenty days of the  third
anniversary]  SIX  MONTHS of the sex offender's initial registration and
every [three years] SIX MONTHS thereafter during the period of registra-
tion for the purpose of providing a current photograph of such offender.
The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall photograph the  sex
offender  and  shall  promptly  forward a copy of such photograph to the
division. For purposes of  this  paragraph,  if  such  sex  offender  is
confined  in  a  state  or  local  correctional  facility, the local law
enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall be the warden,  superinten-
dent,  sheriff  or  other person in charge of the state or local correc-
tional facility.
  (B-3) IF THE SEX OFFENDER HAS BEEN GIVEN A LEVEL ONE  DESIGNATION,  HE
OR  SHE  SHALL  PERSONALLY  APPEAR  AT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING
JURISDICTION WITHIN TWENTY DAYS OF THE  FIRST  ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  SEX
OFFENDER'S  INITIAL  REGISTRATION  AND  EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER DURING THE
PERIOD OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A CURRENT PHOTOGRAPH
OF SUCH OFFENDER. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING  JURISDICTION  SHALL
PHOTOGRAPH  THE  SEX  OFFENDER AND SHALL PROMPTLY FORWARD A COPY OF SUCH
PHOTOGRAPH TO THE DIVISION. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH, IF  SUCH
SEX  OFFENDER IS CONFINED IN A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, THE
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION SHALL  BE  THE  WARDEN,
SUPERINTENDENT,  SHERIFF OR OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE STATE OR LOCAL
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
  (c) If the sex offender fails to mail the signed verification form  to
the  division  within ten calendar days after receipt of the form, he or

S. 1531                             5

she shall be in violation of this section unless he proves  that  he  or
she has not changed his or her residence address.
  (c-1)  If  the  sex  offender, to whom a notice has been mailed at the
last reported address pursuant to paragraph [b] (B) of  subdivision  one
of   section  one  hundred  sixty-eight-b  of  this  article,  fails  to
personally appear at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction,  as
provided in paragraph (B-1), (b-2) or (b-3) of this subdivision[, within
twenty  days  of the anniversary of the sex offender's initial registra-
tion], or an alternate later date scheduled by the law enforcement agen-
cy having jurisdiction, he or she shall be in violation of this section.
The duty to personally appear  for  such  updated  photograph  shall  be
temporarily  suspended  during  any  period in which the sex offender is
confined in any hospital or institution, and  such  sex  offender  shall
personally  appear for such updated photograph no later than ninety days
after release from such hospital or institution, or an  alternate  later
date scheduled by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
  4.  Any  sex  offender  shall register with the division no later than
[ten calendar] THREE BUSINESS days after any change of NAME OR  address,
internet  accounts  with  internet  access  providers  belonging to such
offender, internet identifiers that such offender uses, or  his  or  her
status  of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any insti-
tution of higher education.  THE  SEX  OFFENDER  SHALL  ALSO  PERSONALLY
APPEAR  AT  THE  LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION WITHIN THREE
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS OR ANY CHANGE  OF  HIS
OR  HER STATUS OF ENROLLMENT, ATTENDANCE, EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENCE AT ANY
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION TO THE  LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION. A fee of ten dollars, as author-
ized  by  subdivision eight of section one hundred sixty-eight-b of this
article, shall be submitted by the sex offender each time such  offender
registers  any  change  of  NAME  OR address or any change of his or her
status of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any  insti-
tution  of  higher  education.  Any  failure  or  omission to submit the
required fee shall not affect the acceptance  by  the  division  of  the
change of address or change of status.
  S  6.  Subdivisions 4 and 5 of section 168-j of the correction law, as
added by chapter 11 of the laws of 2002, are amended to read as follows:
  4. Upon receipt of a change in the status of the  enrollment,  attend-
ance,  employment or residence at an institution of higher education, OR
EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT by a sex offender required  to
register under this article, the division shall notify each law enforce-
ment agency having jurisdiction which is affected by such change.
  5. Upon receipt of change in the status of the enrollment, attendance,
employment  or  residence  at  an  institution  of  higher education, OR
EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT by a sex offender required  to
register  under  this article, each law enforcement agency having juris-
diction shall adhere to the notification provisions set forth in  subdi-
vision six of section one hundred sixty-eight-l of this article.
  S  7. Subdivision 2 of section 168-k of the correction law, as amended
by chapter 684 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
  2. The division shall advise the  board  that  the  sex  offender  has
established  residence  in this state. The board shall determine whether
the sex offender is required to register with the  division.  If  it  is
determined  that  the sex offender is required to register, the division
shall notify the sex offender of his or her duty to register under  this
article  and  shall  require  the  sex offender to sign a form as may be
required by the division acknowledging that the duty to register and the

S. 1531                             6

procedure for registration has been explained to the sex  offender.  The
division  shall  obtain  on such form the address where the sex offender
expects to reside within the state AND SUCH  ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION  AS
THE  DIVISION MAY REQUIRE, and the sex offender shall retain one copy of
the form and send two copies to the division  which  shall  provide  the
information  to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the
sex offender expects to reside within this state. No later  than  thirty
days  prior to the board making a recommendation, the sex offender shall
be notified that his or her case is under review and that he or  she  is
permitted to submit to the board any information relevant to the review.
After  reviewing  any  information obtained, and applying the guidelines
established in subdivision five of section one hundred sixty-eight-l  of
this  article,  the board shall within sixty calendar days make a recom-
mendation regarding the level of notification  pursuant  to  subdivision
six  of  section  one  hundred sixty-eight-l of this article and whether
such sex offender  shall  be  designated  a  sexual  predator,  sexually
violent  offender,  or  predicate sex offender as defined in subdivision
seven of section one hundred sixty-eight-a of this article.  This recom-
mendation shall be confidential and shall not be  available  for  public
inspection.  It  shall  be submitted by the board to the county court or
supreme court and to the district attorney in the county of residence of
the sex offender and to the sex offender. It shall be the  duty  of  the
county  court  or  supreme  court  in the county of residence of the sex
offender, applying the guidelines established  in  subdivision  five  of
section  one  hundred  sixty-eight-l  of  this article, to determine the
level of notification pursuant to subdivision six of section one hundred
sixty-eight-l of this article and whether such  sex  offender  shall  be
designated  a  sexual  predator, sexually violent offender, or predicate
sex offender as defined in subdivision  seven  of  section  one  hundred
sixty-eight-a  of this article. At least thirty days prior to the deter-
mination proceeding, such court shall notify the district  attorney  and
the  sex offender, in writing, of the date of the determination proceed-
ing and the court shall also  provide  the  district  attorney  and  sex
offender  with  a copy of the recommendation received from the board and
any statement of the reasons for the recommendation  received  from  the
board.  This  notice shall include the following statement or a substan-
tially similar statement: "This proceeding is being  held  to  determine
whether  you  will  be  classified as a level 3 offender (risk of repeat
offense is high), a level 2 offender (risk of repeat offense  is  moder-
ate),  or a level 1 offender (risk of repeat offense is low), or whether
you will be designated as a sexual predator, a sexually violent offender
or a predicate sex offender, which will  determine  how  long  you  must
register  as  a sex offender and how much information can be provided to
the public concerning your registration. If you fail to appear  at  this
proceeding, without sufficient excuse, it shall be held in your absence.
Failure  to  appear  may  result in a longer period of registration or a
higher level of community notification because you are  not  present  to
offer  evidence  or  contest evidence offered by the district attorney."
The court shall also advise the sex offender that he or she has a  right
to  a hearing prior to the court's determination, that he or she has the
right to be represented by counsel at the hearing and that counsel  will
be  appointed  if  he  or she is financially unable to retain counsel. A
returnable form shall be enclosed in  the  court's  notice  to  the  sex
offender  on which the sex offender may apply for assignment of counsel.
If the sex offender applies for assignment  of  counsel  and  the  court
finds  that  the  offender  is financially unable to retain counsel, the

S. 1531                             7

court shall assign counsel to represent the  sex  offender  pursuant  to
article  eighteen-B  of the county law. If the district attorney seeks a
determination that differs from  the  recommendation  submitted  by  the
board,  at  least  ten  days  prior  to the determination proceeding the
district attorney shall provide to the court  and  the  sex  offender  a
statement setting forth the determinations sought by the district attor-
ney together with the reasons for seeking such determinations. The court
shall  allow  the  sex  offender to appear and be heard. The state shall
appear by the district attorney, or his or her designee, who shall  bear
the  burden of proving the facts supporting the determinations sought by
clear and convincing evidence. It shall be the duty of the court  apply-
ing  the  guidelines  established  in  subdivision  five  of section one
hundred sixty-eight-l of this article to determine the level of  notifi-
cation  pursuant to subdivision six of section one hundred sixty-eight-l
of this article and whether such sex  offender  shall  be  designated  a
sexual predator, sexually violent offender, or predicate sex offender as
defined  in  subdivision  seven  of section one hundred sixty-eight-a of
this article. Where there is a dispute between  the  parties  concerning
the  determinations, the court shall adjourn the hearing as necessary to
permit the sex offender or the district  attorney  to  obtain  materials
relevant  to the determinations from the state board of examiners of sex
offenders or any state or local facility, hospital, institution, office,
agency, department or  division.  Such  materials  may  be  obtained  by
subpoena  if not voluntarily provided to the requesting party. In making
the determinations the court shall review any victim's statement and any
relevant materials and evidence submitted by the sex  offender  and  the
district  attorney  and the recommendation and any material submitted by
the board, and may  consider  reliable  hearsay  evidence  submitted  by
either  party,  provided  that  it is relevant to the determinations. If
available, facts proven at trial or elicited at the time of  a  plea  of
guilty  shall be deemed established by clear and convincing evidence and
shall not be relitigated. The court shall render an order setting  forth
its  determinations  and  the findings of fact and conclusions of law on
which the determinations are based. A copy of the order shall be submit-
ted by the court to the division. Upon application of either party,  the
court  shall seal any portion of the court file or record which contains
material that is confidential under any state or federal statute. Either
party may appeal as of right from the order pursuant to  the  provisions
of  articles fifty-five, fifty-six and fifty-seven of the civil practice
law and rules. Where counsel has been  assigned  to  represent  the  sex
offender  upon the ground that the sex offender is financially unable to
retain counsel,  that  assignment  shall  be  continued  throughout  the
pendency  of  the  appeal,  and  the  person may appeal as a poor person
pursuant to article eighteen-B of the county law.
  S 8. Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of subdivision 6 of section 168-l  of
the  correction law, paragraphs (a) and (b) as amended by chapter 106 of
the laws of 2006 and paragraph (c) as separately amended by chapters 318
and 680 of the laws of 2005, are amended to read as follows:
  (a) If the risk of repeat offense is  low,  a  level  one  designation
shall  be  given  to such sex offender. In such case the law enforcement
agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or
agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his  or  her  conviction
shall  be  notified  and  may disseminate relevant information which may
include a photograph and description  of  the  offender  and  which  may
include  the  name of the sex offender, approximate address based on sex
offender's zip code, background  information  including  the  offender's

S. 1531                             8

crime  of  conviction,  modus of operation, type of victim targeted, the
name and address of any institution of higher education at which the sex
offender  is  enrolled,  attends,  is  employed  or  resides   and   the
description  of special conditions imposed on the offender to any entity
with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the offense commit-
ted by such sex offender. Any entity  receiving  information  on  a  sex
offender  may  disclose  or  further disseminate such information at its
discretion.  IN ADDITION, IN SUCH CASE,  THE  INFORMATION  DESCRIBED  IN
SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL ALSO BE PROVIDED
IN  THE SUBDIRECTORY ESTABLISHED IN THIS ARTICLE AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, SUCH INFORMATION SHALL, UPON  REQUEST,  BE  MADE
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
  (b) If the risk of repeat offense is moderate, a level two designation
shall  be  given  to such sex offender. In such case the law enforcement
agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or
agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his  or  her  conviction
shall  be  notified and may disseminate relevant information which shall
include a photograph and description  of  the  offender  and  which  may
include the exact name and any aliases used by the sex offender, approx-
imate  address  based on sex offender's zip code, background information
including the offender's crime of conviction, mode of operation, type of
victim targeted, the name and  address  of  any  institution  of  higher
education at which the sex offender is enrolled, attends, is employed or
resides  and the description of special conditions imposed on the offen-
der to any entity with vulnerable populations related to the  nature  of
the  offense committed by such sex offender. Any entity receiving infor-
mation on a sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such infor-
mation at its discretion. In addition, in  such  case,  the  information
described  [herein] IN SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE
shall also be provided in the subdirectory established in  this  article
and  notwithstanding any other provision of law, such information shall,
upon request, be made available to the public.
  Such law enforcement agencies shall compile,  maintain  and  update  a
listing  of  vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction.
Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in
disseminating such information on level two sex  offenders  pursuant  to
this  paragraph.  Such  listing  shall  include  and  not be limited to:
superintendents of schools or chief school  administrators,  superinten-
dents  of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school
bus transportation companies, day care centers,  nursery  schools,  pre-
schools,  neighborhood  watch  groups,  community centers, civic associ-
ations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
  (c) If the risk of repeat offense is high and there exists a threat to
the public safety a level three designation shall be given to  such  sex
offender.  In  such  case, the law enforcement agency or agencies having
jurisdiction and the law  enforcement  agency  or  agencies  having  had
jurisdiction  at the time of his or her conviction shall be notified and
may disseminate relevant information which shall  include  a  photograph
and description of the offender and which may include the sex offender's
exact  name and any aliases used by the offender, exact address, address
of the offender's place of employment, background information  including
the  offender's  crime  of conviction, mode of operation, type of victim
targeted, the name and address of any institution of higher education at
which the sex offender is enrolled, attends, is employed or resides  and
the  description  of  special  conditions imposed on the offender to any
entity with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the  offense

S. 1531                             9

committed  by  such  sex offender. Any entity receiving information on a
sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at its
discretion. In addition, in such case, the information described  [here-
in]  IN  SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE shall also be
provided in the subdirectory established in this  article  and  notwith-
standing  any  other  provision  of  law,  such  information shall, upon
request, be made available to the public.
  Such law enforcement agencies shall compile,  maintain  and  update  a
listing  of  vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction.
Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in
disseminating such information on level three sex offenders pursuant  to
this  paragraph.  Such  listing  shall  include  and  not be limited to:
superintendents of schools or chief school  administrators,  superinten-
dents  of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school
bus transportation companies, day care centers,  nursery  schools,  pre-
schools,  neighborhood  watch  groups,  community centers, civic associ-
ations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
  S 9. Subdivision 1 of section 168-q of the correction law, as  amended
by chapter 478 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows:
  1. The division shall maintain a subdirectory of [level two and three]
sex  offenders.  The  subdirectory  shall  include  [the  exact address,
address of the offender's place of employment and photograph of the  sex
offender along with the following information, if available: name, phys-
ical  description,  age and distinctive markings. Background information
including the sex offender's crime of conviction,  modus  of  operation,
type  of  victim  targeted,  the  name and address of any institution of
higher education at which the sex  offender  is  enrolled,  attends,  is
employed  or  resides and a description of special conditions imposed on
the sex offender shall also be included]  ALL  REGISTRATION  INFORMATION
MAINTAINED BY THE DIVISION PURSUANT TO SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-B
OF  THIS  ARTICLE,  PROVIDED THAT THE SUBDIRECTORY SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE
IDENTITY OF THE VICTIM OF A SEX OFFENSE, THE SOCIAL SECURITY  NUMBER  OF
THE  SEX  OFFENDER  OR ANY REFERENCE TO ARRESTS OF THE SEX OFFENDER THAT
DID NOT RESULT IN A CONVICTION. The subdirectory shall have sex offender
listings categorized by county and zip code. [A copy of the subdirectory
shall annually be distributed to the offices  of  local  village,  town,
city,  county  or  state law enforcement agencies for purposes of public
access.  The division shall distribute monthly updates to the offices of
local village, town, city, county or state law enforcement agencies  for
purposes  of public access. Such departments shall require that a person
in writing provide their name and address prior to viewing the subdirec-
tory. Any information  identifying  the  victim  by  name,  birth  date,
address  or  relation  to  the  sex  offender shall be excluded from the
subdirectory distributed for purposes of public access. The subdirectory
provided for herein shall be updated monthly to maintain its  efficiency
and  usefulness  and  shall  be  computer accessible.] Such subdirectory
shall be made available at all times on the internet  via  the  division
homepage.  Any  person  may  apply  to the division to receive automated
e-mail notifications whenever a new or updated subdirectory registration
occurs in a geographic area specified by such person. The division shall
furnish such service at no charge to  such  person,  who  shall  request
e-mail  notification  by  county  and/or zip code on forms developed and
provided by the  division.  E-mail  notification  is  limited  to  three
geographic areas per e-mail account.
  S  10.  Section 168-t of the correction law, as amended by chapter 373
of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows:

S. 1531                            10

  S 168-t. Penalty. Any sex offender required to register or  to  verify
pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  this article who fails to register or
verify in the manner and within the time periods provided  for  in  this
article  [shall  be  guilty  of a class E felony upon conviction for the
first  offense,  and  upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense
shall be guilty of a class D felony. Any sex offender] OR  who  violates
the  provisions  of  section  one  hundred sixty-eight-v of this article
shall be guilty of a class [A misdemeanor upon conviction for the  first
offense, and upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense shall be
guilty  of a class] D felony. Any such failure to register or verify may
also be the basis for revocation  of  parole  pursuant  to  section  two
hundred fifty-nine-i of the executive law or the basis for revocation of
probation pursuant to article four hundred ten of the criminal procedure
law.
  S  11.  This  act  shall  take  effect  on  the first of November next
succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, and shall apply
to all sex offenders registered  or  required  to  register  immediately
prior  to  the  effective  date  of  this  act, and to all sex offenders
required to register on or after such effective date.

2011-S1531A (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Correction Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§168-b - 168-f, 168-j - 168-l, 168-q & 168-t, Cor L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2009-2010: S1486
2013-2014: S1389

2011-S1531A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2011-S1531A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S1531A

TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to the maintenance of
information on sex offenders, registration and verification by sex
offenders, the subdirectory of sex offenders, and the penalty for the
failure of a sex offender to comply with verification and registration
requirements

PURPOSE:
To amend the Sex Offender Registration Act (Correction Law article 6-C)
to conform to provisions of federal law (P.L. 109-248).

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends paragraphs (a) and (e) and adds a new paragraph (e-1)
to subdivision 1 of section 168-b of the Correction Law to provide that
information in the Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Division of
Criminal Justice Services include the license plate number and
description of any motor vehicle owned or operated by the sex offender,
the employment address and/or expected place of employment of the sex
offender regardless of risk level and the criminal history of the sex
offender.

Section 2 amends subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 168-c of the Correction
Law to require that all sex offenders provide their employment address
or place of employment.

Section 3 and 4 amends subdivision 2 of section 168-d and subdivision 1
of section 168-e of the Correction Law to require sex offenders to
provide their employment address and/or expected place of employment.

Section 5 amends subdivisions 2 and 4 of section 168-f of the Correction
Law to require that level 3 offenders personally appear at the law
enforcement agency having jurisdiction every 3 months for the purpose of
providing a current photograph of the offender. Level 2 offenders must
personally appear every 6 months and level 1 offenders must personally
appear annually. All sex offenders must also personally appear at the
law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within 3 days after any
change of name or address or change in status at an institution of high-
er education.

Section 6 amends subdivisions 4 and 5 of section 168-j of the Correction
Law with regard to sex offenders providing their employment address or
place of employment.

Section 7 amends subdivision 2 of section 168-k of the Correction Law to
require that the sex offenders convicted in another jurisdiction who
establish residence in New York provide such information as is required
by DCJS.

Section 8 amends paragraph (a), (b) and (c) of subdivision 6 of section
168-1 of the Correction Law, paragraph (a) as amended by Chapter 106 of
the Laws of2006, paragraph (b) as amended by Chapter 513 of the Laws of
2011 and paragraph (c) as separately amended by Chapters 318 and 680 of
the Laws of 2005, are amended to conform the provisions of those para-
graphs to Correction Law section 168-q with regard to information
provided to the public in the subdirectory.

Section 9 amends subdivision 1 of section 168-q of the Correction Law,
as amended by Chapter 532 of the Laws of 2011 with regard to the infor-
mation on sex offenders which the Division of Criminal Justice Services
may include in the subdirectory posted by the Division on the Internet.

Section 10 amends Correction Law section 168-t to provide that the
penalty for failure to register or verify, or for a violation of section
168-v shall be a class D felony.

Section 11 is the effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:
The "Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006" (P.L. 109-248)
which became effective in July of 2006 requires that states provide
additional information in the Sex Offender Registry and also provides a
criminal penalty that includes a maximum term of imprisonment that is
greater than one year for the failure of a sex offender to comply with
the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act.

Any state that fails to substantially implement the requirement of P.L.
109-248 shall not receive 10% of the funds that would otherwise be allo-
cated under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
(42U.S.C. 3750 et seq.).

This bill implements the requirements of P.L. 109-248.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2009/2010 - S.1486 - Referred to Crime Victims, Crime & Correction
2007/2008 - S.1772 - Passed Senate, Non-Controversial

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
November 1 after enactment and applies to sex
offenders registered or required to register immediately prior to the
effective date and to all sex offenders required on or after the
effective date.

2011-S1531A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 1531--A

                       2011-2012 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            January 10, 2011
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  SKELOS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Crime Victims,  Crime  and
  Correction -- recommitted to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and
  Correction in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- reported favor-
  ably  from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance --
  committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as  amended  and
  recommitted to said committee

AN  ACT  to  amend the correction law, in relation to the maintenance of
  information on sex offenders, registration  and  verification  by  sex
  offenders,  the subdirectory of sex offenders, and the penalty for the
  failure of a sex offender to comply with verification and registration
  requirements

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. Paragraphs (a) and (e) of subdivision 1 of section 168-b of
the  correction  law, paragraph (a) as amended by chapter 67 of the laws
of 2008 and paragraph (e) as amended by chapter 532 of the laws of 2011,
are amended and a new paragraph (e-1) is added to read as follows:
  (a) The sex offender's name, all aliases used, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER,
date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye  color,  driver's  license
number,  LICENSE PLATE NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF ANY MOTOR VEHICLE OWNED
OR OPERATED BY THE SEX OFFENDER, home address and/or expected  place  of
domicile, any internet accounts with internet access providers belonging
to such offender and internet identifiers that such offender uses.
  (e)  [If  the  sex offender has been given a level two or three desig-
nation, such] THE offender's employment address and/or expected place of
employment.
  (E-1) THE CRIMINAL HISTORY OF THE SEX OFFENDER, INCLUDING THE DATE  OF
ALL  ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS; THE STATUS OF PAROLE, PROBATION OR RELEASE
UNDER SUPERVISION; REGISTRATION STATUS; THE EXISTENCE OF ANY OUTSTANDING

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD06234-02-2

S. 1531--A                          2

ARREST WARRANTS FOR THE  SEX  OFFENDER;  AND  A  PHOTOCOPY  OF  THE  SEX
OFFENDER'S DRIVER'S LICENSE OR GOVERNMENT ISSUED IDENTIFICATION CARD.
  S  2.  Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 168-c of the correction law, as
amended by chapter 11 of the laws  of  2002,  are  amended  to  read  as
follows:
  1.  In  the  case  of  any  sex  offender, it shall be the duty of the
department, hospital or local correctional facility at least ten  calen-
dar  days  prior  to the release or discharge of any sex offender from a
correctional facility, hospital or local correctional facility to notify
the division of the contemplated release or discharge of such sex offen-
der, informing the division in writing on a form provided by  the  divi-
sion  indicating  the  address at which he or she proposes to reside and
the name and address of any institution of higher education at which  he
or  she  expects  to  be  enrolled,  attending  or employed, whether for
compensation or not, and whether he or she resides in or will reside  in
a facility owned or operated by such institution, AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S
EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS  AND/OR  EXPECTED PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.   If such sex
offender changes his or her place of residence  while  on  parole,  such
notification  of  the  change  of  residence  shall  be  sent by the sex
offender's parole officer within forty-eight hours to the division on  a
form  provided  by the division. If such sex offender changes the status
of his or her enrollment, attendance, employment  or  residence  at  any
institution  of  higher  education,  OR  EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS OR PLACE OF
EMPLOYMENT while on parole, such notification of the  change  of  status
shall  be  sent  by the sex offender's parole officer within forty-eight
hours to the division on a form provided by the division.
  2. In the case of any sex offender on probation, it shall be the  duty
of  the  sex  offender's probation officer to notify the division within
forty-eight hours of the new place of residence on a  form  provided  by
the  division.  If  such  sex  offender changes the status of his or her
enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at  any  institution  of
higher  education, OR EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT while on
probation, such notification of the change of status shall  be  sent  by
the  sex  offender's  probation  officer within forty-eight hours to the
division on a form provided by the division.
  S 3. Subdivision 2 of section 168-d of the correction law, as  amended
by chapter 684 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
  2.  Any  sex offender, who is released on probation or discharged upon
payment of a fine,  conditional  discharge  or  unconditional  discharge
shall,  prior  to  such  release or discharge, be informed of his or her
duty to register under this article by the court in which he or she  was
convicted.  At  the  time  sentence  is imposed, such sex offender shall
register with the division on a form prepared by the division. The court
shall require the sex offender  to  read  and  sign  such  form  and  to
complete  the registration portion of such form. The court shall on such
form obtain the address where the sex offender expects  to  reside  upon
his or her release, and the name and address of any institution of high-
er education he or she expects to be employed by, enrolled in, attending
or  employed,  whether  for  compensation  or not, and whether he or she
expects to reside in a facility owned or operated by  such  an  institu-
tion, AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS AND/OR EXPECTED PLACE OF
EMPLOYMENT, and shall report such information to the division. The court
shall  give  one copy of the form to the sex offender and shall send two
copies to the division which shall forward the information  to  the  law
enforcement  agencies  having  jurisdiction. The court shall also notify
the district attorney and the sex offender of the date of  the  determi-

S. 1531--A                          3

nation  proceeding  to  be  held  pursuant  to subdivision three of this
section, which shall be held at least forty-five days after such  notice
is  given.  This  notice  shall  include  the  following  statement or a
substantially  similar  statement:  "This  proceeding  is  being held to
determine whether you will be classified as a level 3 offender (risk  of
repeat  offense  is high), a level 2 offender (risk of repeat offense is
moderate), or a level 1 offender (risk of repeat  offense  is  low),  or
whether  you will be designated as a sexual predator, a sexually violent
offender or a predicate sex offender, which will determine how long  you
must register as a sex offender and how much information can be provided
to  the  public  concerning  your registration. If you fail to appear at
this proceeding, without sufficient excuse, it shall  be  held  in  your
absence. Failure to appear may result in a longer period of registration
or  a higher level of community notification because you are not present
to offer evidence or contest evidence offered by the district attorney."
The court shall also advise the sex offender that he or she has a  right
to  a hearing prior to the court's determination, that he or she has the
right to be represented by counsel at the hearing and that counsel  will
be  appointed  if  he or she is financially unable to retain counsel. If
the sex offender applies for assignment of counsel to represent  him  or
her  at the hearing and counsel was not previously assigned to represent
the sex offender in the underlying  criminal  action,  the  court  shall
determine  whether the offender is financially unable to retain counsel.
If such a finding is made, the court shall assign counsel  to  represent
the sex offender pursuant to article eighteen-B of the county law. Where
the  court  orders a sex offender released on probation, such order must
include a provision requiring that he or she comply  with  the  require-
ments  of this article. Where such sex offender violates such provision,
probation may be immediately revoked in the manner provided  by  article
four hundred ten of the criminal procedure law.
  S  4. Subdivision 1 of section 168-e of the correction law, as amended
by chapter 11 of the laws of 2002, is amended to read as follows:
  1. Any sex offender, to be discharged, paroled, released  to  post-re-
lease  supervision  or  released  from  any  state or local correctional
facility, hospital or institution  where  he  or  she  was  confined  or
committed,  shall  at  least  fifteen  calendar days prior to discharge,
parole or release, be informed of his or her duty to register under this
article, by the facility in which he or she was confined  or  committed.
The  facility  shall require the sex offender to read and sign such form
as may be required by the division stating the duty to register and  the
procedure  for  registration  has  been  explained  to him or her and to
complete the registration portion  of  such  form.  The  facility  shall
obtain on such form the address where the sex offender expects to reside
upon his or her discharge, parole or release and the name and address of
any institution of higher education he or she expects to be employed by,
enrolled in, attending or employed, whether for compensation or not, and
whether  he  or she expects to reside in a facility owned or operated by
such an institution, AND THE SEX OFFENDER'S  EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS  AND/OR
EXPECTED  PLACE  OF EMPLOYMENT, and shall report such information to the
division. The facility shall give one copy of the form to the sex offen-
der, retain one copy and shall send one copy to the division which shall
provide the information to the law enforcement agencies having jurisdic-
tion. The facility shall give the sex offender a form  prepared  by  the
division,  to  register with the division at least fifteen calendar days
prior to release and such form shall be completed,  signed  by  the  sex

S. 1531--A                          4

offender  and  sent  to  the  division by the facility at least ten days
prior to the sex offender's release or discharge.
  S  5.  Subdivisions  2  and  4 of section 168-f of the correction law,
subdivision 2 as added by chapter 192 of the  laws  of  1995,  paragraph
(b-1)  of  subdivision  2 as amended by chapter 532 of the laws of 2011,
paragraphs (b-2), (b-3) and (c-1) of subdivision 2 as added by section 2
of part O of chapter 56 of the laws of 2005, paragraph (c)  of  subdivi-
sion  2  as amended by chapter 453 of the laws of 1999 and subdivision 4
as amended by chapter 67 of the laws of 2008, are  amended  to  read  as
follows:
  2.  For a sex offender required to register under this article on each
anniversary of the sex offender's initial registration date  during  the
period in which he OR SHE is required to register under this section the
following applies:
  (a)  The sex offender shall mail the verification form to the division
within ten calendar days after receipt of the form.
  (b) The verification form shall be signed by  the  sex  offender,  and
state  that  he OR SHE still resides at the address last reported to the
division[.
  (b-1) If the sex offender has been given a level two or  three  desig-
nation,  such  offender shall sign the verification form, and state that
he or she] AND still is employed at the address  last  reported  to  the
division.
  [(b-2)]  (B-1) If the sex offender has been given a level three desig-
nation, he or she shall personally appear at the law enforcement  agency
having  jurisdiction within [twenty days of the first anniversary] THREE
MONTHS of the sex offender's initial registration and every [year] THREE
MONTHS thereafter during the period of registration for the  purpose  of
providing  a  current  photograph  of such offender. The law enforcement
agency having jurisdiction shall photograph the sex offender  and  shall
promptly forward a copy of such photograph to the division. For purposes
of  this paragraph, if such sex offender is confined in a state or local
correctional facility, the local law enforcement agency having jurisdic-
tion shall be the warden, superintendent, sheriff  or  other  person  in
charge of the state or local correctional facility.
  [(b-3)]  (B-2)  If  the  sex  offender has been given a [level one or]
level two designation, he or she shall  personally  appear  at  the  law
enforcement  agency having jurisdiction within [twenty days of the third
anniversary] SIX MONTHS of the sex offender's initial  registration  and
every [three years] SIX MONTHS thereafter during the period of registra-
tion for the purpose of providing a current photograph of such offender.
The  law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall photograph the sex
offender and shall promptly forward a copy of  such  photograph  to  the
division.  For  purposes  of  this  paragraph,  if  such sex offender is
confined in a state  or  local  correctional  facility,  the  local  law
enforcement  agency having jurisdiction shall be the warden, superinten-
dent, sheriff or other person in charge of the state  or  local  correc-
tional facility.
  (B-3)  IF  THE SEX OFFENDER HAS BEEN GIVEN A LEVEL ONE DESIGNATION, HE
OR SHE SHALL PERSONALLY APPEAR AT  THE  LAW  ENFORCEMENT  AGENCY  HAVING
JURISDICTION  WITHIN  TWENTY  DAYS  OF  THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEX
OFFENDER'S INITIAL REGISTRATION AND EVERY  YEAR  THEREAFTER  DURING  THE
PERIOD OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A CURRENT PHOTOGRAPH
OF  SUCH  OFFENDER. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION SHALL
PHOTOGRAPH THE SEX OFFENDER AND SHALL PROMPTLY FORWARD A  COPY  OF  SUCH
PHOTOGRAPH  TO THE DIVISION. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH, IF SUCH

S. 1531--A                          5

SEX OFFENDER IS CONFINED IN A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY,  THE
LOCAL  LAW  ENFORCEMENT  AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION SHALL BE THE WARDEN,
SUPERINTENDENT, SHERIFF OR OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE STATE OR  LOCAL
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
  (c)  If the sex offender fails to mail the signed verification form to
the division within ten calendar days after receipt of the form,  he  or
she  shall  be  in violation of this section unless he proves that he or
she has not changed his or her residence address.
  (c-1) If the sex offender, to whom a notice has  been  mailed  at  the
last  reported  address pursuant to paragraph [b] (B) of subdivision one
of  section  one  hundred  sixty-eight-b  of  this  article,  fails   to
personally  appear at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, as
provided in paragraph (B-1), (b-2) or (b-3) of this subdivision[, within
twenty days of the anniversary of the sex offender's  initial  registra-
tion], or an alternate later date scheduled by the law enforcement agen-
cy having jurisdiction, he or she shall be in violation of this section.
The  duty  to  personally  appear  for  such updated photograph shall be
temporarily suspended during any period in which  the  sex  offender  is
confined  in  any  hospital  or institution, and such sex offender shall
personally appear for such updated photograph no later than ninety  days
after  release  from such hospital or institution, or an alternate later
date scheduled by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
  4. Any sex offender shall register with the  division  no  later  than
[ten  calendar] THREE BUSINESS days after any change of NAME OR address,
internet accounts with  internet  access  providers  belonging  to  such
offender,  internet  identifiers  that such offender uses, or his or her
status of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any  insti-
tution  of  higher  education.  THE  SEX  OFFENDER SHALL ALSO PERSONALLY
APPEAR AT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING  JURISDICTION  WITHIN  THREE
BUSINESS  DAYS  AFTER ANY CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS OR ANY CHANGE OF HIS
OR HER STATUS OF ENROLLMENT, ATTENDANCE, EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENCE AT  ANY
INSTITUTION  OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION TO THE LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION. A fee of ten dollars, as author-
ized by subdivision eight of section one hundred sixty-eight-b  of  this
article,  shall be submitted by the sex offender each time such offender
registers any change of NAME OR address or any  change  of  his  or  her
status  of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any insti-
tution of higher education.  Any  failure  or  omission  to  submit  the
required  fee  shall  not  affect  the acceptance by the division of the
change of address or change of status.
  S 6. Subdivisions 4 and 5 of section 168-j of the correction  law,  as
added by chapter 11 of the laws of 2002, are amended to read as follows:
  4.  Upon  receipt of a change in the status of the enrollment, attend-
ance, employment or residence at an institution of higher education,  OR
EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT by a sex offender required to
register under this article, the division shall notify each law enforce-
ment agency having jurisdiction which is affected by such change.
  5. Upon receipt of change in the status of the enrollment, attendance,
employment or residence  at  an  institution  of  higher  education,  OR
EMPLOYMENT  ADDRESS OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT by a sex offender required to
register under this article, each law enforcement agency  having  juris-
diction  shall adhere to the notification provisions set forth in subdi-
vision six of section one hundred sixty-eight-l of this article.
  S 7. Subdivision 2 of section 168-k of the correction law, as  amended
by chapter 684 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:

S. 1531--A                          6

  2.  The  division  shall  advise  the  board that the sex offender has
established residence in this state. The board shall  determine  whether
the  sex  offender  is  required to register with the division. If it is
determined that the sex offender is required to register,  the  division
shall  notify the sex offender of his or her duty to register under this
article and shall require the sex offender to sign  a  form  as  may  be
required by the division acknowledging that the duty to register and the
procedure  for  registration has been explained to the sex offender. The
division shall obtain on such form the address where  the  sex  offender
expects  to  reside  within the state AND SUCH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS
THE DIVISION MAY REQUIRE, and the sex offender shall retain one copy  of
the  form  and  send  two copies to the division which shall provide the
information to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where  the
sex  offender  expects to reside within this state. No later than thirty
days prior to the board making a recommendation, the sex offender  shall
be  notified  that his or her case is under review and that he or she is
permitted to submit to the board any information relevant to the review.
After reviewing any information obtained, and  applying  the  guidelines
established  in subdivision five of section one hundred sixty-eight-l of
this article, the board shall within sixty calendar days make  a  recom-
mendation  regarding  the  level of notification pursuant to subdivision
six of section one hundred sixty-eight-l of  this  article  and  whether
such  sex  offender  shall  be  designated  a  sexual predator, sexually
violent offender, or predicate sex offender as  defined  in  subdivision
seven of section one hundred sixty-eight-a of this article.  This recom-
mendation  shall  be  confidential and shall not be available for public
inspection. It shall be submitted by the board to the  county  court  or
supreme court and to the district attorney in the county of residence of
the  sex  offender  and to the sex offender. It shall be the duty of the
county court or supreme court in the county  of  residence  of  the  sex
offender,  applying  the  guidelines  established in subdivision five of
section one hundred sixty-eight-l of  this  article,  to  determine  the
level of notification pursuant to subdivision six of section one hundred
sixty-eight-l  of  this  article  and whether such sex offender shall be
designated a sexual predator, sexually violent  offender,  or  predicate
sex  offender  as  defined  in  subdivision seven of section one hundred
sixty-eight-a of this article. At least thirty days prior to the  deter-
mination  proceeding,  such court shall notify the district attorney and
the sex offender, in writing, of the date of the determination  proceed-
ing  and  the  court  shall  also  provide the district attorney and sex
offender with a copy of the recommendation received from the  board  and
any  statement  of  the reasons for the recommendation received from the
board. This notice shall include the following statement or  a  substan-
tially  similar  statement:  "This proceeding is being held to determine
whether you will be classified as a level 3  offender  (risk  of  repeat
offense  is  high), a level 2 offender (risk of repeat offense is moder-
ate), or a level 1 offender (risk of repeat offense is low), or  whether
you will be designated as a sexual predator, a sexually violent offender
or  a  predicate  sex  offender,  which will determine how long you must
register as a sex offender and how much information can be  provided  to
the  public  concerning your registration. If you fail to appear at this
proceeding, without sufficient excuse, it shall be held in your absence.
Failure to appear may result in a longer period  of  registration  or  a
higher  level  of  community notification because you are not present to
offer evidence or contest evidence offered by  the  district  attorney."
The  court shall also advise the sex offender that he or she has a right

S. 1531--A                          7

to a hearing prior to the court's determination, that he or she has  the
right  to be represented by counsel at the hearing and that counsel will
be appointed if he or she is financially unable  to  retain  counsel.  A
returnable  form  shall  be  enclosed  in  the court's notice to the sex
offender on which the sex offender may apply for assignment of  counsel.
If  the  sex  offender  applies  for assignment of counsel and the court
finds that the offender is financially unable  to  retain  counsel,  the
court  shall  assign  counsel  to represent the sex offender pursuant to
article eighteen-B of the county law. If the district attorney  seeks  a
determination  that  differs  from  the  recommendation submitted by the
board, at least ten days  prior  to  the  determination  proceeding  the
district  attorney  shall  provide  to  the court and the sex offender a
statement setting forth the determinations sought by the district attor-
ney together with the reasons for seeking such determinations. The court
shall allow the sex offender to appear and be  heard.  The  state  shall
appear  by the district attorney, or his or her designee, who shall bear
the burden of proving the facts supporting the determinations sought  by
clear  and convincing evidence. It shall be the duty of the court apply-
ing the guidelines  established  in  subdivision  five  of  section  one
hundred  sixty-eight-l of this article to determine the level of notifi-
cation pursuant to subdivision six of section one hundred  sixty-eight-l
of  this  article  and  whether  such sex offender shall be designated a
sexual predator, sexually violent offender, or predicate sex offender as
defined in subdivision seven of section  one  hundred  sixty-eight-a  of
this  article.  Where  there is a dispute between the parties concerning
the determinations, the court shall adjourn the hearing as necessary  to
permit  the  sex  offender  or the district attorney to obtain materials
relevant to the determinations from the state board of examiners of  sex
offenders or any state or local facility, hospital, institution, office,
agency,  department  or  division.  Such  materials  may  be obtained by
subpoena if not voluntarily provided to the requesting party. In  making
the determinations the court shall review any victim's statement and any
relevant  materials  and  evidence submitted by the sex offender and the
district attorney and the recommendation and any material  submitted  by
the  board,  and  may  consider  reliable  hearsay evidence submitted by
either party, provided that it is relevant  to  the  determinations.  If
available,  facts  proven  at trial or elicited at the time of a plea of
guilty shall be deemed established by clear and convincing evidence  and
shall  not be relitigated. The court shall render an order setting forth
its determinations and the findings of fact and conclusions  of  law  on
which the determinations are based. A copy of the order shall be submit-
ted  by the court to the division. Upon application of either party, the
court shall seal any portion of the court file or record which  contains
material that is confidential under any state or federal statute. Either
party  may  appeal as of right from the order pursuant to the provisions
of articles fifty-five, fifty-six and fifty-seven of the civil  practice
law  and  rules.  Where  counsel  has been assigned to represent the sex
offender upon the ground that the sex offender is financially unable  to
retain  counsel,  that  assignment  shall  be  continued  throughout the
pendency of the appeal, and the person  may  appeal  as  a  poor  person
pursuant to article eighteen-B of the county law.
  S  8. Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of subdivision 6 of section 168-l of
the correction law, paragraph (a) as amended by chapter 106 of the  laws
of 2006, paragraph (b) as amended by chapter 513 of the laws of 2011 and
paragraph  (c) as separately amended by chapters 318 and 680 of the laws
of 2005, are amended to read as follows:

S. 1531--A                          8

  (a) If the risk of repeat offense is  low,  a  level  one  designation
shall  be  given  to such sex offender. In such case the law enforcement
agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or
agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his  or  her  conviction
shall  be  notified  and  may disseminate relevant information which may
include a photograph and description  of  the  offender  and  which  may
include  the  name of the sex offender, approximate address based on sex
offender's zip code, background  information  including  the  offender's
crime  of  conviction,  modus of operation, type of victim targeted, the
name and address of any institution of higher education at which the sex
offender  is  enrolled,  attends,  is  employed  or  resides   and   the
description  of special conditions imposed on the offender to any entity
with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the offense commit-
ted by such sex offender. Any entity  receiving  information  on  a  sex
offender  may  disclose  or  further disseminate such information at its
discretion.  IN ADDITION, IN SUCH CASE,  THE  INFORMATION  DESCRIBED  IN
SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL ALSO BE PROVIDED
IN  THE SUBDIRECTORY ESTABLISHED IN THIS ARTICLE AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, SUCH INFORMATION SHALL, UPON  REQUEST,  BE  MADE
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
  (b) If the risk of repeat offense is moderate, a level two designation
shall  be  given  to such sex offender. In such case the law enforcement
agency or agencies having jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency or
agencies having had jurisdiction at the time of his  or  her  conviction
shall  be  notified and may disseminate relevant information which shall
include a photograph and description  of  the  offender  and  which  may
include  the  exact name and any aliases used by the sex offender, exact
address,  background  information  including  the  offender's  crime  of
conviction,  mode  of  operation,  type of victim targeted, the name and
address of any institution of higher education at which the sex offender
is enrolled, attends, is employed or  resides  and  the  description  of
special conditions imposed on the offender to any entity with vulnerable
populations  related  to the nature of the offense committed by such sex
offender. Any  entity  receiving  information  on  a  sex  offender  may
disclose  or  further disseminate such information at its discretion. In
addition, in such case, the information described  [herein]  IN  SECTION
ONE  HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE shall also be provided in the
subdirectory established in this article and notwithstanding  any  other
provision  of  law, such information shall, upon request, be made avail-
able to the public.
  Such law enforcement agencies shall compile,  maintain  and  update  a
listing  of  vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction.
Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in
disseminating such information on level two sex  offenders  pursuant  to
this  paragraph.  Such  listing  shall  include  and  not be limited to:
superintendents of schools or chief school  administrators,  superinten-
dents  of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school
bus transportation companies, day care centers,  nursery  schools,  pre-
schools,  neighborhood  watch  groups,  community centers, civic associ-
ations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
  (c) If the risk of repeat offense is high and there exists a threat to
the public safety a level three designation shall be given to  such  sex
offender.  In  such  case, the law enforcement agency or agencies having
jurisdiction and the law  enforcement  agency  or  agencies  having  had
jurisdiction  at the time of his or her conviction shall be notified and
may disseminate relevant information which shall  include  a  photograph

S. 1531--A                          9

and description of the offender and which may include the sex offender's
exact  name and any aliases used by the offender, exact address, address
of the offender's place of employment, background information  including
the  offender's  crime  of conviction, mode of operation, type of victim
targeted, the name and address of any institution of higher education at
which the sex offender is enrolled, attends, is employed or resides  and
the  description  of  special  conditions imposed on the offender to any
entity with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the  offense
committed  by  such  sex offender. Any entity receiving information on a
sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at its
discretion. In addition, in such case, the information described  [here-
in]  IN  SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-Q OF THIS ARTICLE shall also be
provided in the subdirectory established in this  article  and  notwith-
standing  any  other  provision  of  law,  such  information shall, upon
request, be made available to the public.
  Such law enforcement agencies shall compile,  maintain  and  update  a
listing  of  vulnerable organizational entities within its jurisdiction.
Such listing shall be utilized for notification of such organizations in
disseminating such information on level three sex offenders pursuant  to
this  paragraph.  Such  listing  shall  include  and  not be limited to:
superintendents of schools or chief school  administrators,  superinten-
dents  of parks, public and private libraries, public and private school
bus transportation companies, day care centers,  nursery  schools,  pre-
schools,  neighborhood  watch  groups,  community centers, civic associ-
ations, nursing homes, victim's advocacy groups and places of worship.
  S 9. Subdivision 1 of section 168-q of the correction law, as  amended
by chapter 532 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows:
  1. The division shall maintain a subdirectory of [level two and three]
sex  offenders.  The  subdirectory  shall  include  [the  exact address,
address of the offender's place of employment and photograph of the  sex
offender along with the following information, if available: name, phys-
ical  description,  age and distinctive markings. Background information
including the sex offender's crime of conviction,  modus  of  operation,
type  of  victim  targeted,  the  name and address of any institution of
higher education at which the sex  offender  is  enrolled,  attends,  is
employed  or  resides and a description of special conditions imposed on
the sex offender shall also be included]  ALL  REGISTRATION  INFORMATION
MAINTAINED BY THE DIVISION PURSUANT TO SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT-B
OF  THIS  ARTICLE,  PROVIDED THAT THE SUBDIRECTORY SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE
IDENTITY OF THE VICTIM OF A SEX OFFENSE, THE SOCIAL SECURITY  NUMBER  OF
THE  SEX  OFFENDER  OR ANY REFERENCE TO ARRESTS OF THE SEX OFFENDER THAT
DID NOT RESULT IN A CONVICTION.  The subdirectory shall have sex  offen-
der listings categorized by county and zip code. Such subdirectory shall
be  made  available  at all times on the internet via the division home-
page. Any person may apply to the division to receive  automated  e-mail
notifications whenever a new or updated subdirectory registration occurs
in  a  geographic  area  specified  by  such  person. The division shall
furnish such service at no charge to  such  person,  who  shall  request
e-mail  notification  by  county  and/or zip code on forms developed and
provided by the  division.  E-mail  notification  is  limited  to  three
geographic areas per e-mail account.
  S  10.  Section 168-t of the correction law, as amended by chapter 373
of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows:
  S 168-t. Penalty. Any sex offender required to register or  to  verify
pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  this article who fails to register or
verify in the manner and within the time periods provided  for  in  this

S. 1531--A                         10

article  [shall  be  guilty  of a class E felony upon conviction for the
first offense, and upon conviction for a second  or  subsequent  offense
shall  be  guilty of a class D felony. Any sex offender] OR who violates
the  provisions  of  section  one  hundred sixty-eight-v of this article
shall be guilty of a class [A misdemeanor upon conviction for the  first
offense, and upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense shall be
guilty  of a class] D felony. Any such failure to register or verify may
also be the basis for revocation  of  parole  pursuant  to  section  two
hundred fifty-nine-i of the executive law or the basis for revocation of
probation pursuant to article four hundred ten of the criminal procedure
law.
  S  11.  This  act  shall  take  effect  on  the first of November next
succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, and shall apply
to all sex offenders registered  or  required  to  register  immediately
prior  to  the  effective  date  of  this  act, and to all sex offenders
required to register on or after such effective date.

Comments

Open Legislation is a forum for New York State legislation. All comments are subject to review and community moderation is encouraged.

Comments deemed off-topic, commercial, campaign-related, self-promotional; or that contain profanity, hate or toxic speech; or that link to sites outside of the nysenate.gov domain are not permitted, and will not be published. Attempts to intimidate and silence contributors or deliberately deceive the public, including excessive or extraneous posting/posts, or coordinated activity, are prohibited and may result in the temporary or permanent banning of the user. Comment moderation is generally performed Monday through Friday. By contributing or voting you agree to the Terms of Participation and verify you are over 13.

Create an account. An account allows you to sign petitions with a single click, officially support or oppose key legislation, and follow issues, committees, and bills that matter to you. When you create an account, you agree to this platform's terms of participation.