Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Associated Press
DAYTON
Proposed changes to Ohio’s laws governing sex- offender registration could give judges more discretion within that system and make it easier for people to get off the registry if they’re believed to have a low risk of re-offending.
The Dayton Daily News reports the state Criminal Justice Recodification Committee is set to vote Thursday on whether to recommend the changes.
They would keep the tiered classification system but incorporate more risk assessment and allow offenders to petition to change their status. Another proposal would remove residency restrictions, such as barring sex offenders from living near schools.
Judges would be able to consider medical conditions and age when determining whether to release people from registration requirements, said Blaise Katter, staff attorney for the committee.
Judges sentencing convicted sex offenders currently have to place them into one of three tiers depending on the severity of the crimes. Those individuals must then register their address for 15 years to life, depending on that classification.
The committee also wants to install a statewide offender database system that would replace an existing county-by-county system.
The changes would have to be passed by the Legislature to become law. The recommendations previously were approved by Ohio’s Sentencing Commission, which comprises sheriffs, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates and lawmakers.