Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee Report: "Do Not Implement the Adam Walsh Act"

1-13-2011 Texas:

Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee Report: "Do Not Implement the Adam Walsh Act." That is the recommendation and in spite of the loss which would be $1,404,571, where as the cost is assessed at $38,771,924.

The question now is, will all Texas lawmakers agree? The major portion of the report on sex offenders begins on this page.

Quote From Report:

Study the efficiency and fairness of the current sexual offender registry system and make recommendations to improve the system, if necessary. Study the issue of compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, focusing on the associated costs to the state and the punishment of juveniles. Examine the risk assessment tools used to measure the likelihood of recidivism among sexual predators.

Sex offenses are very serious crimes. There is no debate over whether violent and dangerous people should be punished monitored extensively. However like with most issues there are levels and gray areas. In addition there are limited resources to address all of the issues facing the state today. However, it is important to emphasis the fact that high cost does not negate public safety measures. Extensive research has been done on sex offenders and the affects of registration and other sanctions. Based on the research, the testimony provided during the hearing, it is clear registries do not provide the public safety, definitely not the way it is now. Add this to the recent stories in the media highlighting some of the issues and concerns it is the recommendation of this committee to:

1. Repeal Article 62.402 (A) and (B) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to enable Texas not to be bound to the federal minimum for registration requirements.

2. Establish a minimum standard for registration requirements, which include the current process for deregistration for those approved by the CSOT.

3. Not to implement AWA.

4. Require that all registered sex offenders have risk assessments done.

5. Continue working to improve communication between states regarding registered sex offenders who present a significant risk to community safety.

The full report can be found here: by Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee