HB 3839
Directs the Department of State Police to ensure that level one and level two sex offender information is available to school districts and entities providing school visitor management services.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
56%
Oppose
44%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Department of State Police to make information about level one and level two sex offenders available to school districts and organizations that manage school visitor services. The goal is to enhance safety measures within schools by providing these entities with access to relevant offender data. The bill clarifies existing rules regarding the release of this information to the public.
Key provisions
- The Department of State Police must provide sex offender information to school districts.
- The Department of State Police must provide sex offender information to entities managing school visitor services.
- Supervising agencies and notifying agencies can release sex offender information to specific individuals and entities.
- This release includes individuals residing with the offender, those with significant relationships, and neighbors.
- The Department of State Police may release information to local media sources.
- The bill clarifies definitions of ‘Notifying Agency’ and ‘Supervising Agency’.
- The bill applies to level one, level two, and level three sex offenders.
- The bill updates ORS 163A.215 to reflect these changes.
Who is affected
- School Districts
- Entities Providing School Visitor Management Services
- Department of State Police
- Sex Offenders
- Supervising Agencies
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the proposed legislation believe that providing schools with access to information about level one and level two sex offenders is crucial for enhancing community safety, particularly in protecting children. They argue that this information would enable school officials to make informed decisions about who is allowed on school premises, thereby safeguarding students from potential harm. Proponents also emphasize the importance of keeping parents informed about their child's activities and well-being, citing a need for protection and transparency in the public education system. By notifying schools about potential child abusers, supporters aim to create a safer environment for students, emphasizing that this measure is essential for safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3839 express concerns that the legislation is unnecessary and will not achieve its intended goals. They argue that the bill may have unintended consequences, including harm to children of registrants, without providing additional safety measures, and could impose a significant fiscal burden on the State Police. Additionally, many that the bill targets low-level sex offenders who are unlikely to reoffend, and that it fails to address the real issue of keeping children safe. Some also express concerns that the proposed legislation could release sensitive information about parents and guardians, potentially causing harm to families and their children.