A Comparative Analysis of SORNA Statutes Across the United States
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The purpose of this research is to examine the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification act across the United States. While SORNA requires U.S. states and territories to meet a minimum set of requirements, each jurisdiction has its own discretion to determine the specific details of their registration process. Due to this discretion, registration requirements vary significantly throughout the nation. This research began with Probation Information Network’s development of ten questions relating to the sex offender registration process. These ten questions pertain to residential, employment, and procedural policies registrants are required to adhere to. More specifically, some of the requirements analyzed in this research include the length of registration, community notification provisions, residency and employment restrictions, the cost of registration, and travel limitations. Methodology included the systematic search of each jurisdictions’ sex offender statutes or codes to provide accurate and concise answers to each question. This research aims to illuminate the extent to which these requirements differ throughout the country. Additionally, this study can assist in providing future insights into the collateral consequences associated with the implementation of SORNA statutes.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Tanja Link
Additional Faculty
Melanie Holland, Criminal Justice, mholla47@kennesaw.edu
A Comparative Analysis of SORNA Statutes Across the United States
The purpose of this research is to examine the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification act across the United States. While SORNA requires U.S. states and territories to meet a minimum set of requirements, each jurisdiction has its own discretion to determine the specific details of their registration process. Due to this discretion, registration requirements vary significantly throughout the nation. This research began with Probation Information Network’s development of ten questions relating to the sex offender registration process. These ten questions pertain to residential, employment, and procedural policies registrants are required to adhere to. More specifically, some of the requirements analyzed in this research include the length of registration, community notification provisions, residency and employment restrictions, the cost of registration, and travel limitations. Methodology included the systematic search of each jurisdictions’ sex offender statutes or codes to provide accurate and concise answers to each question. This research aims to illuminate the extent to which these requirements differ throughout the country. Additionally, this study can assist in providing future insights into the collateral consequences associated with the implementation of SORNA statutes.