TENNESSEE — Beginning in October, convicted sex offenders must register with the state bureau of investigation under a law signed by Gov. Don Sundquist in February.
\nThe legislation could benefit student journalists, as well as law enforcement agencies and the public, because it increases access to information on the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders.
\nThe “Tennessee College & University Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2002” enforces the ongoing registration of convicted sex offenders attending or employed by colleges in the state.
\nTennessee follows California as the second state to pass this kind of legislation. Under the new federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, all 50 states must comply with the law by Oct. 28 or risk losing federal funding.
\nThe U.S. Department of Justice will release its guidelines for implementation of the act on May 7. The act was passed in October 2000 and provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at and employed by colleges nationwide.
\nLAW: Tenn. Code Ann. Sec. 40-39-103 (2002)