Opinion ID: 2752606
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The CASE Act

Text: “California has had some form of sex offender registration requirement since 1947.” In re Alva, 92 P.3d 6 DOE V. HARRIS 311, 314 (Cal. 2004). Under current California law, “[e]very person . . . residing in California, or while attending school or working in California” who has been convicted of certain sexual crimes must register with the police or sheriff where he or she resides on an annual basis. Cal. Penal Code §§ 290(b)–(c), 290.012(a). The registration law requires even more frequent updates of violent predators: “[E]very person who has ever been adjudicated a sexually violent predator . . . shall, after his or her release from custody, verify his or her address no less than once every 90 days . . . .” Id. § 290.012(b). In 2012, California voters passed Proposition 35, known as the CASE Act, which added provisions to California’s sex offender registration requirements related to Internet usage by persons subject to the Act. The new sections require covered persons to provide additional information, including “[a] list of any and all Internet identifiers established or used by the person” and “[a] list of any and all Internet service providers used by the person.” Id. § 290.015(a)(4), (5). The Act also provides: If any person who is required to register pursuant to the Act adds or changes his or her account with an Internet service provider or adds or changes an Internet identifier, the person shall send written notice of the addition or change to the law enforcement agency or agencies with which he or she is currently registered within 24 hours. The law enforcement agency or agencies shall make this information available to the Department of Justice. DOE V. HARRIS 7 Id. § 290.014(b) (emphasis added).1 The CASE Act defines the term “Internet identifier” as “an electronic mail address, user name, screen name, or similar identifier used for the purpose of Internet forum discussions, Internet chat room discussions, instant messaging, social networking, or similar Internet communication.” Id. § 290.024(b). The Act defines “Internet service provider” as “a business, organization, or other entity providing a computer and communications facility directly to consumers through which a person may obtain access to the Internet.” Id. § 290.024(a).