Bill > A04610

This bill modifies sex offender registration and verification requirements in New York, making several key changes to existing law. The bill expands lifetime annual registration requirements for certain sex offenders, including those classified as level one risk who have been designated as sexual predators, sexually violent offenders, or predicate sex offenders, or who have been convicted of specific serious sexual offenses listed in the penal law or federal code. It also allows local and state law enforcement agencies to establish child and victim safety zones with specific residency restrictions for sex offenders, such as requiring registrants classified as level three risk or those who committed offenses against minors to live at least 1,000 feet from schools and a quarter mile from their victim's workplace or residence. The bill clarifies court responsibilities in designating offender risk levels and predicate status, and provides a mechanism for sex offenders classified as level one or two risk to petition for relief from registration after 30 years, provided they can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they no longer pose a significant public safety risk. Additionally, the bill modernizes language by using gender-neutral terms like "their" instead of "his or her" and includes provisions for continued legal representation for offenders seeking registration relief. The changes will apply to all sex offenders registered or requiring registration at the time the law takes effect.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4610