Byron Dorgan: “I will define what the bill does. First, it directs the Department of Justice to create a national registry of sex…”

“I will define what the bill does. First, it directs the Department of Justice to create a national registry of sex offenders, which would be accessible to the public. This isn't difficult. You just aggregate the State lists so you have a national list. All Americans who live near State borders will be able to access that list. Second, this legislation will try to ensure that the highest risk sex offenders are not released at all. The bill requires that States provide automatic and timely notification to the States' attorneys of the planned release of any high-risk sex offender. Before the release, the State's attorney shall be formally notified. That will give them time to pursue civil commitment cases for those who are the most dangerous, in order to continue to keep them in prison. They are able to do that under current law. My bill doesn't change current State laws, but it requires notification of the States' attorneys when somebody who is a type 3 high-risk sexual predator is about to be released from prison. Third, the bill provides that for those high-risk sexual predators who are released after serving their full sentences, there will be intensive State supervision for a period of not less than one year.”