New requirement to sex offender law awaits governor’s signature

A bill which would require the collection of email addresses and instant message screen names from registered sex offenders in Tennessee is awaiting Gov. Phil Bredesen’s signature.

The bill, proposed by Sen. Jamie Woodson, was recommended and requested by Claris Networks in June of 2007 and passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

The bill requires that convicted sex offenders provide their email addresses, instant mes­sage screen names and any other electronic communications to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as an addition to the information that is already collected by the states chief law enforcement agency.

Paul Sponcia, chief executive officer of Claris Networks, said the requirement is long overdue.

“As we continue to move into the digital age, it is more important than ever for the state to monitor sex offenders online contact with minors throughout the state,” Sponcia said.

“Predators no longer need to walk the streets during the day to commit their crimes,” he said. “It’s become incredibly simple for them to launch their attacks on children from the privacy of their own computers.”

“These steps are necessary to ensure the safety of children throughout the state,” Spon­cia said. “We have continued to emphasize the importance of this legislation and educate the community about the dangers and risks posed by online predators.”