Whereas, public access to on-line sex offender and sexually violent predator registration information will help provide citizens with frequently requested information and may better ensure public safety; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police to develop and implement plan to provide on-line access to sex offender and sexually violent predator registration information. Resolved: That the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police shall develop and implement a plan to provide public on-line access to sex offender and sexually violent predator registration information. The Bureau of State Police shall work with the Attorney General to identify what information maintained in the sex offender registry may be publicly accessed on-line and how that information may be accessed. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police shall present a report, including its on-line public access plan, what information may be accessed and a schedule for implementation of the plan, to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety by May 1, 2003.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police to develop and implement a plan to provide public on-line access to sex offender and sexually violent predator registration information. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police shall present a report, including its on-line public access plan, what information may be accessed and a schedule for implementation of the plan, to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety by May 1, 2003.