SEX OFFENDER LIST: UNLAWFUL PUBLICATION, INACCURATE INFORMATION

House Bill 4024

Sponsor: Rep. Ruth Ann Jamnick

Committee: Criminal Justice

Complete to 2-2-01

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4024 AS INTRODUCED 1-25-01

The bill would amend the Sex Offenders Registration Act to prohibit the publication of any information contained in the registry by anyone other than the Department of State Police or individual registrants (current law prohibits the release of nonpublic information concerning registration) and to allow a cause of action for inaccurate information.

If someone were incorrectly identified as a registered sex offender, the wrongly identified person could bring a civil cause of action against, and obtain treble damages from, the party responsible for the inaccurate identification. The bill also would require the Department of State Police to correct inaccurate information contained in the registry within seven business days after being notified that the information was inaccurate.

MCL 28.728 and 28.730

Analyst: S. Ekstrom

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.