Senate Approves Senator Browne's Sex Predator Bill

Legislation would require offenders register e-mail addresses, screen names

Working to crack down on sexual predators who use the internet as a way to prey on victims, the Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that would require convicted offenders to register their e-mail addresses and on-line screen names with state authorities.

Senate Bill 490 would require sex offenders to provide this information to the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as, the state Board of Probation and Parole. Currently, sex offenders are required to register their residential addresses, employment and/or student information with authorities.

"I am pleased that the Senate has taken this step to protect our young people. I hope the House will consider this bill in the near future and send it to the Governor for enactment into law," Senator Browne said. "Sexual offenders have found electronic communications to be an easy way to contact children. We must ensure that Pennsylvania's law enforcement officials have the capability to monitor convicted offenders and their on-line activities as a way to protect our children."

In addition to the requirement that offenders register their information, SB 490 also requires those who change their e-mail addresses and/or instant messaging screen name to report those changes to state authorities within 48 hours.

Contact:

Lesley Crozier
(717) 787-1349