SB 584

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law, the Sex Offender Registration Act, requires persons who have been convicted of specified sex offenses to register with local law enforcement, as specified. Under existing law, failure to register is a crime. This bill would require any person who is required to register under the act for committing a crime where the trier of fact made a finding that a computer was used to facilitate the commission of the crime, to inform the registering agent as to whether or not he or she has access to a computer or other device with Internet capability. If the status of having access to a computer or other device changes, the person would be required to so inform the registering agency within 5 days. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law imposes various conditions on persons who are placed on probation or parole. This bill would impose additional conditions on a person who is on probation or parole who is required to register under the act for committing a crime as to which the trier of fact made a finding that a computer was used to facilitate the commission of the crime. Those conditions include either being prohibited from using a computer or other device with Internet capability, except for employment-related purposes, or, if authorized to use a computer or other device, giving the consent to search and retrieve data from that computer or device, and installation of hardware or software that monitors Internet use. Failure to comply with those conditions would be a violation of probation or parole, as applicable, or a misdemeanor. By creating new crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.