Source: ACSOL
Three leading advocates for registrants testified this week before a legislative committee in Oklahoma in support of proposed changes to that state’s registry. The changes, if adopted, would eliminate registration requirements for registrants who are physically or mentally impaired.
ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci provided the committee with information regarding the history of sex offender registries beginning with the creation of the first registry in the City of Los Angeles. That registry was focused solely upon tracking and monitoring gay men.
Restorative Action Alliance Executive Director Amber Vlangas testified about the harm experience by both registrants and their families. She also testified that current registries often do not help, but instead harm, survivors of sexual abuse.
Professor Stephanie Jerstad, a criminologist, testified that many registrants who are also seniors are being denied elder care solely because they are required to register. As a result, they are receiving care from unlicensed providers or well meaning family members who lack the necessary training.
During the hearing, one legislator stated that the Oklahoma registry may be getting in the way of public safety. Another legislator stated that most of the people on the registry “probably are not a threat.” She added that it is the legislature’s job to make sure they are not squandering resources on people who, after a certain period of time without re-offending should be allowed to get on with their lives.
Also during the hearing, statements from two registrants were read reflecting the challenges they and their families have experienced while on the registry including employment and housing difficulties. The committee is expected to share the information they learned with fellow legislators.
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