Lawmakers Approve Reforms to Sex Offender System

State lawmakers have taken a step toward resolving some of the problems with the sex offender registry system.

State Senator Katherine Clark, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, announced that the 2014 budget legislation included language that allows that Sex Offender Registry Board to reclassify offenders if new information becomes available about them. The reforms that passed the House and Senate this week will also reportedly make it easier for law enforcement and the state to have access to information about when an offender’s level of dangerousness may need to be revised. 

Another provision requires level 2 and 3 sex offenders to register within two days of being released from custody, building on the current law which merely states that they are to register in person annually.

“These critical reforms will strengthen our laws, allow for the reclassification of sex offenders, and provide more information to parents, caregivers and the agencies we depend on to keep our kids and communities safe,” said Clark.

The legislation was spurred largely by last year’s arrest of former Wakefield resident John Burbine on numerous charges involving child molestation. Burbine had been registered as a Level 1 sex offender for years but parents bringing their children to his wife’s former daycare/tutoring business had no way of learning this.

“I am particularly pleased that SORB will have the opportunity to reclassify offenders in light of new information,” added Representative Paul Brodeur. “These reforms will go a long way towards making the system as effective as possible.”