Governor signs new sex offender law

Legislation which would require the collection of email addresses and instant message screen names from registered sex offenders in Tennessee has been signed into law by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen.

The law, 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 law 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, emphasized the importance of the legislation in an appearance on WNOX NewsTalk100’s State Your Case on Sunday, May 25.

“We’re pleased that Gov. Bredesen has signed this legislation into law and believe that these measures will no undoubtedly keep Tennessee’s children more safe,” Sponcia said.

Woodson, also appearing on State Your Case with Sponcia, believes the legislation will also deter offenders from contacting children through popular social networking sites like MySpace.

“These social, networking Web sites have enabled predators to anonymously contact our children,” said Woodson. “This legislation provides a much needed tool and deterrent to prevent sex offenders from having this access.”

The law, sponsored by Woodson and Rep. Doug Overby, requires offenders to provide information within specific time frames if new email addresses or screen names are cre­ated. Failure to do so provides both monetary penalties and/or incarceration.