10/05/2011
By B Free
If senate bill 1183 (PDF) is passed into law this month, hundreds of Pennsylvania’s will be forced into registering under Megan’s Law, even though they were not required to do so at the time of their sentencing. In addition, stiffer requirements and penalties will be imposed upon anyone who is required to register.
Below are the highlights of the proposed bill, which were based upon the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Who Must Register Under New Provisions?
The following individuals present in this Commonwealth shall register with the Pennsylvania State Police for life, subject to the provisions of section 9799.15 (relating to exemption from registration and public notification for Pennsylvania offenders) and 9799.17 (relating to exemption from registration and public notification for out-of-State offenders). (page 64)
I see a few lawsuits in Pennsylvania's future.
ReplyDeleteAs a PA RSO that had his status changed from 10 year registrant
ReplyDeleteto lifetime a couple of years back, with no new offence or probation violation,
just the PA State Police interpretation of the NEW Megan’s Law, I am ready for
the fight.
I have spoken to many Megan’s Law people over the past 5
years and many have no idea what is in store for them as AWA has sailed through
the legislature with very little push back.
Now, it appears that EVERYONE on Megan’s Law in PA, and some that have
escaped Megan’s Law in the past because their particular offence was not part
of the old system, are going to have to register for the rest of their/our
lives.
This is a direct result of a first time governor that has
been campaigning for reelection from the second that he took the oath of office
for his first term. And I believe that
it will be the same result when the PA House votes on it this month. It will pass with 1 or 2 dissenting votes and
4 or 5 people we just not show up to vote as they have a legal and moral problem
with the vote but haven’t the gumption to stand up and voice their option.
We need to establish Plan B, which is to pool our resources
and work to fight AWA like the folks in Ohio have done. And the person to do it is Karl Baker, Esq. Attorney,
Defender Association of Philadelphia ACLU-PA board member.
PA seems to be fairly confused about what is legal and what isn't...
ReplyDeleteJust recently, I seem to recall that they were dropping residency restrictions for creating "penal" colonies...
Now they want to adopt laws that basically do the same thing but in a different way? Weird...
On a side note, I was informed by my PO that we now have to fill out a 2 page form each month identifying such things as computer use, places where you may have spent the night, etc. This is in addition to the regular monthly report form...
On top of this, some pencil pusher in Washington devised a "personality test" that, supposedly, is designed to assess risk potential for "hands on" offenders. Not surprisingly, this has to be taken by "all" offenders. It is supposed to have 84 questions and, once the answers are collated, it can determine if you are being dishonest...
When psychology is condensed into a computer algorithm, we can pretty much kiss freedom and liberty goodbye! Doesn't matter if you were having a bad day, didn't understand the question or forgot to take your meds... However the test is graded, that will be the truth!
God help us all!
I am so sick of new laws being passed. I was 11 years old when I was arrested. In 5th grade, back in 1992. I seriously need to leave this country.
ReplyDelete