Delaware lawmakers vote to give judges discretion regarding registration of juvenile sex offenders

7-1-2013 Delaware:

The state House has given final legislative approval to a bill giving Family Court judges the discretion to determine whether certain juvenile offenders should be declared sex offenders subject to inclusion on the state’s sex offender registry.

The bill applies to juvenile offenders who were under age 14 when the offense was committed or who were older than 14 but did not commit certain offenses, including offenses that require registration under the federal Adam Walsh Act.

The legislation also excludes crimes in which the victim is five years old or younger. The bill, which now goes to Gov. Jack Markell, also allows for the review of certain offenders who already are on the state’s sex offender registry. ..Source.. by Washington Post