2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 34-A: CORRECTIONS › Chapter 15: SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATION ACT OF 1999 › Subchapter 2: SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION › 34-A §11222. Duty of offender to register

§11222. Duty of offender to register
1.  Notification by court, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency.
An offender has a duty to register under this chapter after notification has been given to the offender by a court of jurisdiction, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency. A court shall notify the offender at the time of sentence of the duty to register pursuant to this chapter. Notification of the duty to register under this chapter also may be given to the offender at any time after the imposition of sentence.
At any time, the bureau may correct the term of a registration erroneously assigned to an offender or registrant. In such instances, the bureau shall notify the offender or registrant, the district attorney and court in the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred and the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the offender or registrant is domiciled, resides, is employed or attends college or school, if applicable.
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
1-A.  When duty to register must be exercised.
Following notification by a court, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency under subsection 1, an offender shall register as follows.
A. If the offender is sentenced to a wholly suspended sentence with probation or administrative release, or to a punishment alternative not involving imprisonment, the duty to register is triggered at the time the person commences in actual execution of the wholly suspended sentence or at the time of sentence imposition when no punishment alternative involving imprisonment is imposed, unless the court orders a stay of execution, in which event the duty is triggered by the termination of the stay.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
B. If the offender is sentenced to a straight term of imprisonment or to a split sentence, the duty to register is triggered by discharge or conditional release.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
C. If the offender is committed under Title 15, section 103, the duty to register is triggered by discharge or conditional release under Title 15, section 104‑A.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
D. If the events stated in paragraphs A to C have passed, an offender must register within 5 days after having received notice of that duty from a court, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
E. Proof that the name and date of birth of the person notified of the duty to register pursuant to this chapter are the same as those of a person who has been convicted of an offense requiring registration pursuant to this chapter gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that the person notified of the duty to register is the same person as that person convicted of the offense requiring registration.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
1-B.  Duty to notify law enforcement agency.
An offender shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in those areas where the offender is domiciled, resides, works or attends school within 24 hours of becoming a domiciliary or a resident or beginning work or attending school. If the location is a municipality with an organized municipal police department, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is the municipal police department. If the location is a school having an organized police department, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is the campus police department. If the location is neither a municipality nor a school with an organized police department, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is the sheriff's department.
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
2.  Responsibility of ensuring initial registration.
The department, the county jail or the state mental health institute that has custody of an offender shall inform the offender, prior to discharge or conditional release, of the duty to register. If an offender does not serve a period of institutional confinement, the court shall inform the offender at the time of sentencing of the duty to register. The department, county jail, state mental health institute or court shall:
A. Inform the offender of the duty to register and obtain the information required for the initial registration;   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
A-1. Inform the offender of the requirement to notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction pursuant to subsection 1‑B;   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
B. Inform the offender that if the offender changes domicile or changes residence, place of employment or college or school being attended, the offender shall give the new address to the bureau in writing within 5 days and shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within 24 hours;   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
C. Inform the offender that if that offender changes domicile to another state, the offender shall register the new address with the bureau and if the new state has a registration requirement, the offender shall register with a designated law enforcement agency in the new state not later than 5 days after establishing domicile in the new state;   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
D. Inform the offender that if that offender has part-time or full-time employment in another state, with or without compensation, for more than 14 consecutive days or for an aggregate period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year or if that offender enrolls in any type of school in another state on a part-time or full-time basis, the offender shall give the bureau the offender's place of employment or school to be attended in writing within 5 days after beginning work or attending school and if the other state has a registration requirement, shall register with the designated law enforcement agency in the other state;   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
E. Obtain fingerprints and a photograph of the offender or the court may order the offender to submit to the taking of fingerprints and a photograph at a specified law enforcement agency within 3 days if the fingerprints and photograph have not already been obtained in connection with the offense that necessitates registration; and   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
F. Enforce the requirement that the offender read and sign a form provided by the bureau that states that the duty of the offender to register under this section has been explained.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
2-A.  Duty of registrant sentenced from June 30, 1992 to September 17, 1999 to register.
Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person coming within the definition of a 10-year registrant or lifetime registrant who has been sentenced on or after June 30, 1992 but before September 18, 1999 for a sex offense or a sexually violent offense shall register either as a 10-year registrant or lifetime registrant, whichever is applicable, if the duty to register has been triggered under subsection 1‑A, paragraph A, B or C and the offender has been notified of the duty to register by a court of jurisdiction, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency. The offender shall register with the bureau within 5 days of notice.
[PL 2015, c. 280, §2 (AMD).]
2-B.  Duty to register for new crimes.
For a person who has been sentenced for a crime added by an amendment to the definition of sex offense or sexually violent offense in section 11203 since September 1, 2002, if the duty to register has been triggered under subsection 1‑A, paragraph A, B or C and the offender has been notified of the duty to register by a court of jurisdiction, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency, that person shall register as a 10-year registrant or a lifetime registrant, whichever is applicable. The offender shall register with the bureau within 5 days of notice.
[PL 2015, c. 280, §2 (AMD).]
2-C.  Duty of registrant sentenced from January 1, 1982 to June 29, 1992 to register.
Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person who meets the definition of a 10-year registrant or a lifetime registrant who has been sentenced on or after January 1, 1982 but before June 30, 1992 for a sex offense or a sexually violent offense shall register either as a 10-year registrant or a lifetime registrant, whichever is applicable, if the duty to register has been triggered under subsection 1‑A, paragraph A, B or C and the offender has been notified of the duty to register by a court of jurisdiction, the department, the bureau or a law enforcement agency. The offender shall register with the bureau within 5 days of notice.
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
3.  Transfer of initial registration information to bureau and FBI.
The department, county jail, state mental health institute or court within 3 days of receipt of the information described in subsection 2 shall forward the information to the bureau. If the court orders the offender to submit to the taking of fingerprints and a photograph at a specified law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency shall submit the fingerprints and photograph to the bureau within 3 days. The bureau shall immediately enter the information into the registration system, notify the law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction where the offender expects to be domiciled and reside and transmit the information to the FBI for inclusion in the national FBI sex offender database.
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
4.  Verification for persons sentenced on or after September 18, 1999.
During the period a registrant sentenced on or after September 18, 1999 is required to register, the bureau shall require the registrant to verify registration information including domicile, residence, mailing address, place of employment and college or school being attended. Unless verifications are suspended, the bureau shall verify the registration information of a 10-year registrant on each anniversary of the 10-year registrant's initial registration date and shall verify a lifetime registrant's registration information every 3 months after that lifetime registrant's initial registration date. Verification of the registration information of a 10-year registrant or lifetime registrant occurs as set out in this subsection.
A. At least 10 days prior to the required verification date, the bureau shall mail a nonforwardable verification form to the last reported mailing address of the registrant. The verification form is deemed received 3 days after mailing unless returned by postal authorities.   [PL 2005, c. 423, §17 (AMD).]
B. [PL 2005, c. 423, §17 (RP).]
C. The registrant shall take the completed verification form and a current photograph of the registrant to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within 5 days of receipt of the form.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §2 (AMD).]
D. The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall verify the registrant's identity, have the registrant sign the verification form, take the registrant's fingerprints, complete the law enforcement portion of the verification form and immediately forward the fingerprints, photograph and form to the bureau.   [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. C, §21 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. D, §2 (AFF).]
[PL 2015, c. 280, §3 (AMD).]
4-A.  Verification for person sentenced on or after January 1, 1982 and prior to September 18, 1999 who is a 10-year registrant.
During the period a 10-year registrant sentenced on or after January 1, 1982 and prior to September 18, 1999 is required to register, the bureau shall require the 10-year registrant to verify registration information including domicile, residence, mailing address, place of employment and college or school being attended. Unless verifications are suspended, the bureau shall verify the registration information of a 10-year registrant in writing as provided by the bureau on each anniversary of the 10-year registrant's initial registration date and once every 5 years in person. Verification of the registration information of a 10-year registrant occurs as set out in this subsection.
A. At least 10 days prior to the required verification date, the bureau shall mail a nonforwardable verification form to the last reported mailing address of the 10-year registrant. The verification form is deemed received 3 days after mailing unless returned by postal authorities.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §3 (NEW).]
B. The 10-year registrant shall mail to the bureau the completed written verification form and a current photograph on each anniversary of the 10-year registrant's initial registration date within 5 days of receipt of the form, except as provided in paragraph C.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §3 (NEW).]
C. In lieu of mailing the completed verification form under paragraph B, the 10-year registrant shall take the completed verification form and a current photograph of the 10-year registrant to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction once every 5 years on the anniversary of the 10-year registrant's initial registration or, if there is a reason to believe the offender's appearance has changed significantly, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau may instruct the 10-year registrant in writing:
(1) To appear in person at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction with a current photograph or to allow a photograph to be taken; or
(2) If authorized in writing by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau, to submit a new photograph without appearing in person.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §4 (AMD).]
D. Whenever in-person verification is mandated pursuant to paragraph C, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall verify the 10-year registrant's identity, have the 10-year registrant sign the verification form, take the registrant's fingerprints, complete the law enforcement portion of the verification form and immediately forward the fingerprints, photograph and form to the bureau.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §3 (NEW).]
[PL 2015, c. 280, §4 (AMD).]
4-B.  Verification for person sentenced on or after January 1, 1982 and prior to September 18, 1999 who is a lifetime registrant.
During the period a lifetime registrant sentenced on or after January 1, 1982 and prior to September 18, 1999 is required to register, the bureau shall require the lifetime registrant to verify registration information including domicile, residence, mailing address, place of employment and college or school being attended. Unless verifications are suspended, the bureau shall verify the registration information of a lifetime registrant in writing as provided by the bureau every 3 months after that lifetime registrant's initial registration date and once every 5 years in person. Verification of the registration information of a lifetime registrant occurs as set out in this subsection.
A. At least 10 days prior to the required verification date, the bureau shall mail a nonforwardable verification form to the last reported mailing address of the lifetime registrant. The verification form is deemed received 3 days after mailing unless returned by postal authorities.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §4 (NEW).]
B. The lifetime registrant shall mail to the bureau the completed written verification form and a current photograph every 3 months after that lifetime registrant's initial registration date within 5 days of receipt of the form, except as provided in paragraph C.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §5 (AMD).]
C. In lieu of mailing the completed verification form under paragraph B, the lifetime registrant shall take the completed verification form and a current photograph of the lifetime registrant to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction once every 5 years on the anniversary of the lifetime registrant's initial registration or, if there is a reason to believe the lifetime registrant's appearance has changed significantly, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau may instruct the lifetime registrant in writing:
(1) To appear in person at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction with a current photograph or to allow a photograph to be taken; or
(2) If authorized in writing by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau, to submit a new photograph without appearing in person.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §5 (AMD).]
D. Whenever in-person verification is mandated pursuant to paragraph C, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall verify the lifetime registrant's identity, have the lifetime registrant sign the verification form, take the lifetime registrant's fingerprints, complete the law enforcement portion of the verification form and immediately forward the fingerprints, photograph and form to the bureau.   [PL 2009, c. 570, §4 (NEW).]
[PL 2015, c. 280, §5 (AMD).]
4-C.  Verification for person sentenced in another jurisdiction before January 1, 1982 who is a lifetime registrant.
During the period a lifetime registrant sentenced in another jurisdiction before January 1, 1982 is required to register, the bureau shall require the lifetime registrant to verify registration information including domicile, residence, mailing address, place of employment and college or school being attended. Unless verifications are suspended, the bureau shall verify the registration information of a lifetime registrant in writing as provided by the bureau every 3 months after that lifetime registrant's initial registration date and once every 5 years in person. Verification of the registration information of a lifetime registrant occurs as set out in this subsection.
A. At least 10 days prior to the required verification date, the bureau shall mail a nonforwardable verification form to the last reported mailing address of the lifetime registrant. The verification form is deemed received 3 days after mailing unless returned by postal authorities.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §6 (NEW).]
B. The lifetime registrant shall mail to the bureau the completed written verification form and a current photograph every 3 months after that lifetime registrant's initial registration date within 5 days of receipt of the form, except as provided in paragraph C.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §6 (NEW).]
C. In lieu of mailing the completed verification form under paragraph B, the lifetime registrant shall take the completed verification form and a current photograph of the lifetime registrant to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction once every 5 years on the anniversary of the lifetime registrant's initial registration or, if there is a reason to believe the lifetime registrant's appearance has changed significantly, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau may instruct the lifetime registrant in writing:
(1) To appear in person at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction with a current photograph or to allow a photograph to be taken; or
(2) If authorized in writing by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction or the bureau, to submit a new photograph without appearing in person.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §6 (NEW).]
D. Whenever in-person verification is mandated pursuant to paragraph C, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall verify the lifetime registrant's identity, have the lifetime registrant sign the verification form, take the lifetime registrant's fingerprints, complete the law enforcement portion of the verification form and immediately forward the fingerprints, photograph and form to the bureau.   [PL 2015, c. 280, §6 (NEW).]
[PL 2015, c. 280, §6 (NEW).]
5.  Change of domicile, residence, place of employment or college or school being attended.
An offender or registrant shall notify the bureau in writing of a change of residence, domicile, place of employment or college or school being attended within 5 days and shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within 24 hours after changing that domicile, residence, place of employment or college or school being attended.
A. If the offender or registrant establishes a new domicile, residence, place of employment or college or school being attended in the State, the bureau shall notify, within 3 days, both the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the offender or registrant was formerly domiciled or resided or was employed or enrolled and the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the offender or registrant is currently domiciled, residing, employed or enrolled.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
B. If the offender or registrant establishes a domicile, residence, place of employment or college or school being attended in another state, the bureau shall notify, within 3 days, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the offender or registrant was formerly domiciled or resided or was employed or enrolled and the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the offender or registrant is currently domiciled, residing, employed or enrolled.   [PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
[PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1999, c. 437, §2 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 439, §OOO11 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 553, §§5,6 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 371, §§8-10 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 711, §C21 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 711, §D2 (AFF). PL 2005, c. 423, §§14-18 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 683, §B28 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §15 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 365, Pt. B, §22 (AFF). PL 2009, c. 570, §§2-4 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 420, Pt. C, §§4, 5 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 280, §§2-6 (AMD).