Amendment #547 to H4400

Study on the Use of the Internet by Sex Offenders

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Hill of Ipswich, Poirier of North Attleborough, Gifford of Wareham, Frost of Auburn and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION X. The joint committee on public safety and homeland security shall convene a task force to report on electronic communications and the feasibility of tracking sex offender internet use, via methods including but not limited to: (1) internet protocol addresses, (2) media access control addresses, (3) internet service providers, (4) electronic mail, and (5) instant messaging. The task force’s study shall address, but not be limited to, the following areas: (1) current laws and regulations; (2) other states’ laws, regulations, and efforts; (3) the feasibility of registration of sex offenders’ online addresses; and (4) relevant civil liberties issues.

The task force shall consist of 14 members: Four members of the joint committee on public safety and homeland security, one of whom shall be appointed by the house committee chair, one of whom shall be appointed by the senate committee chair, one of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader, and one of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; four members of the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities, and energy, one of whom shall be appointed by the house committee chair, one of whom shall be appointed by the senate committee chair, one of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader, and one of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; one member of the state police, who shall be appointed by the colonel of the state police; one licensed attorney, with experience in civil rights’ cases, who shall be appointed by the attorney general; and four experts who shall be appointed by the commissioners of the department of public utilities upon a majority vote, provided two of the experts have had significant knowledge of a private telecommunications company.

The task force may consult with other government agencies, both federal and state, as well as members of the telecommunication community.

The task force shall submit a report, including any draft legislation and regulations, to the joint committee on public safety and homeland security within 12 months of the passage of this act.”.