In Texas, the sex offender registry process involves the offender registering with the local law enforcement agency where he/she resides. The agency collects the offender’s name, address, convicted offense, and obtains a color photograph of the offender. Offenders are to report with law enforcement periodically to provide any updates or changes in status such as moving prior to 7 days prior to relocating. Adult offenders have to register for life or ten years if released from prison, etc. Offenders 17 and older who have committed sexually violent offenses would be placed on lifetime registration.
Texas has a statewide database which provides all law enforcement information of all offenders within the state. The information provided to law enforcement is also made available to citizens. Some law
…show more content…
The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program itself does not prohibit registered sex offenders from working in certain trades, occupations or professions. However, state law regulating a particular trade, occupation or profession may bar sex offenders from working in the trade, profession or occupation (Texas Offender Registry Program, n.d.).
Texas permits chemical castration which was passed in 1997. Offenders have to be 21 years of age or older, completed 18 months of sex offender treatment and convicted of two sex offenses. Offenders also get Depo Provera injections as part of the process
In 2005, Texas passed House Bill 867 which allowed for sex offender deregistration. This process benefits those offenders who have had minor offenses such as an 18-year-old who had consensual sex with his underage 16-year-old girlfriend which is considered a low risk of reoffending. Offenders who have been convicted of more serious offenses such as aggravated sexual assault, etc. will not be eligible to