The act was included in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 that President Bill Clinton signed into law Oct. 11. Despite the possible benefits to the campus community, many people are concerned about the act's potential impact on civil liberties. Everyone should have the right to try to restart their life and do something better. Since 1996, with the passage of Megan's Law, offenders have been required to notify their state of residence of their whereabouts upon release from prison. State officials then provide that information to local law enforcement agencies, who subsequently make the information available to the public.
Required information includes the name, address and physical description of the offender.
In some states, this data can be viewed on the local police department's website. Under the H.R. 4407 offenders must now also notify state officials if they are enrolling or working at an institute of higher education. State officials will then pass the information onto the campus police or the agency with jurisdiction in the campus' area. Security On Campus Inc., a major supporter of this bill, has worked for its implementation and the implementation of several other laws regarding campus security, including the Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights and what is commonly known as the Clery Act, which expands a university's reporting duties. Schools have a responsibility to provide security to the people they provide housing to.