Bill > H400

This bill establishes a narcotics offender registry, defining a narcotics offender as anyone convicted of various drug-related crimes in Massachusetts, including possession with intent to distribute, distribution, trafficking, creating counterfeit substances, inducing a minor to distribute drugs, or attempting these offenses, as well as similar offenses in other jurisdictions. A narcotics offender registry board will be created to maintain a central computerized registry of these offenders, collecting detailed personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and offense details. This registry will be accessible to law enforcement agencies and, for certain offenders, will be published online as a public database called the Narcotics Offender Internet Database, with varying levels of public access based on the offender's risk of re-offending (Level 1: low risk, not public; Level 2: moderate risk, public upon request; Level 3: high risk, extensive community notification and public access). Offenders are required to register in person annually with their local police department and report any changes of address or employment, with failure to comply resulting in penalties including fines, imprisonment, and revocation of probation, parole, or driver's licenses. The bill also outlines the composition and responsibilities of the narcotics offender registry board, including offender classification and rule-making.