Bill > H2836

This bill proposes to amend existing law regarding sex offenders on probation. Specifically, it establishes that a sex offender found to have violated any conditions of their probation will be guilty of a second or subsequent offense, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both. Furthermore, as an alternative to incarceration and as a condition of probation, courts can require these offenders to wear a global positioning system (GPS) device, or similar technology, at all times during their probation. The commissioner of probation will set specific geographic exclusion zones, such as around a victim's home or school, to minimize contact with children. If an offender enters an excluded zone, their location data will be immediately sent to local police and the commissioner of probation, potentially leading to arrest if there's probable cause of a violation. The offender will be responsible for the costs associated with the GPS device, though the court can waive these fees if the offender cannot afford them. For sex offenders convicted before 2006, any review of requiring GPS tracking will necessitate a written finding from the judge explaining the reasoning after a hearing.