Governor Rell Signs Bill Expanding Sex Offender

Notification Law to School Superintendents

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has signed a bill that requires the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) to alert the superintendent of schools in a community where a convicted sex offender lives or is planning to live when the offender is released.

            Under the bill, the notification must be made by e-mail and must include the information publicly available through the state’s “Megan’s Law” sex offender registry, including the registrant’s name, address, date of birth, race and general description. The notice must also include the crime he or she committed, the date of conviction, the date the offender first registered and the date that information was last verified.

            “This bill closes a significant loophole in our sex offender laws, which do not affirmatively require notification of the local school superintendent – although many local police departments do so anyway,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut residents – and particularly our state’s children – deserve all the information we can provide them about sex offenders. This new law ensures that heightened protection.”

            A new DPS database will allow school districts to register for e-mail notifications when a sex offender moves into or out of their communities. The new system complies with federal laws requiring notification of schools, youth groups and civic organizations.

            The legislation – Senate Bill 533, An Act Concerning Notification of the Release of a Registered Sexual Offender into the Community – takes effect September 1.

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