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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2010
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Orie Proposes Legislation to Improve Megan's Law Website and Incorporate Recommendations Made by Auditor General           

Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is proposing legislation that would improve the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website by incorporating recommendations made in a Special Report issued recently by Auditor General Jack Wagner. 

Orie said her legislation would make statutory changes to Megan's Law to allow for at least five website upgrades intended to give more information to the public.  Orie stated she will be working with the Auditor General to ensure that the recommendations are incorporated into the legislation.  

Among those changes are:

• Posting of front and profile views for each offender.
• Posting of the date when the offender's photographs were taken.
• Emphasizing the verification dates of offenders who are not in compliance with Megan's law.
• Clearly distinguishing offenders who have absconded or are otherwise missing or non-compliant.
• Including notification option for the public to sign-up to receive an e-mail when a registered offender moves into a designated area. 

"Children are among our most precious and vulnerable citizens and we must do all we can to protect them.  Pennsylvania's Megan's Law website does not make the grade in providing the public with useful, accurate and easily accessible information, and it must be improved,'' said Auditor General Jack Wagner. 

"Megan's Law is an important tool for law enforcement and we must ensure that that the website is a reliable tool for parents who want to take an active role in the safety of their children," Orie said.  "The Megan's Law website needs to be improved to make it more effective and user friendly by incorporating changes recommended by the Auditor General."

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538