Bill passed in state house to toughen Megan's Law

The requirements of this bill will make a wonderful lawsuit for unequal treatment under the laws, and likely get class-action status. "Where they eat?" Makes no sense whatsoever...

2-12-2011 Pennsylvania:

State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, a Democrat from Berks County, said the House unanimously passed legislation that would close a loophole in state law to require convicted sex offenders who are homeless to register with Megan's Law.

Caltagirone, who is Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said current law does not address the registration of homeless offenders.

He said numerous court decisions have ruled that under the state's current Megan's Law, an offender does not have to register with Megan's Law if they are homeless and do not have a residence.

"This is a gaping hole in Megan's Law," Caltagirone said. "Right now, as long as the sex offender is homeless, we have no way to require them to register their location. There should be no exceptions when it comes to public safety and this must be corrected."

The bill (H.B. 68) would require homeless sex offenders to register every 30 days at approved registration sites until they again establish a residence.

The bill also applies to people who have committed a sex offense in another state and moved to Pennsylvania, yet did not establish an official residence.

Sex offenders would be required to be photographed, and report to the Pennsylvania State Police where they sleep, eat, and receive mail, and if they are in compliance with counseling requirements.

Failure to register would be a third degree felony, maximum seven years imprisonment and $15,000 fine.

The bill also would impose penalties for sexually violent predators who knowingly fail to comply with counseling requirements.

Sexually violent predators are required under Megan's Law to attend at least monthly counseling sessions, but there is no penalty for failing to comply.

Caltagirone said a similar bill passed the House and Senate last session, but was vetoed by the governor due to controversial changes added to the self-defense law.

The current bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. ..Source.. House Democratic Communications Office