Information on Megan's Law

Study on Registered Sex Offenders Logged in Texas Schools with V•soft • Offenders by State • Facts About Sex Offenders • Myths and Truths About Sex Offenders • Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse and Behaviours to Watch For • Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse • Megan's Law • Sex Offender Registration Facts

The 1994 brutal rape and murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka prompted the public demand for broad based community notification. On May 17, 1996, President Clinton signed Megan's Law. Megan's Law requires the following:

Sex Offender Registration – The 1994 Jacob Wetterling Act requires the States to register individuals convicted of sex crimes against children. Sex offender registration laws are necessary because:

• Sex offenders pose a high risk of re-offending after release from custody;
• Protecting the public from sex offenders is a primary governmental interest;
• The privacy interests of persons convicted of sex offenses are less important than the government’s interest in public safety;
• Release of certain information about sex offenders to public agencies and the general public will assist in protecting the public safety.

Community Notification – Megan’s Law allows the States discretion to establish criteria for disclosure, but compels them to make private and personal information on registered sex offenders available to the public. Community notification:

• Assists law enforcement in investigations;
• Establishes legal grounds to hold known offenders;
• Deters sex offenders from committing new offenses;
• Offers citizens information they can use to protect children from victimization.