Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

This bill, introduced as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), seeks to create a comprehensive national standard for tracking sex offenders across the United States. It requires every state and local jurisdiction to maintain a registry and mandates that offenders register and keep their information current in any jurisdiction where they live, work, or attend school.

For citizens, the practical impact of this legislation is the creation of a centralized, public national website—the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website—allowing families to more easily access information about registered offenders in their communities. The bill also strengthens law enforcement's ability to track offenders across state lines and establishes federal penalties for those who fail to comply with registration requirements. Additionally, it provides funding for community programs and electronic monitoring to improve public safety and oversight.