Bill proposes changes to Utah’s sex offender registry

SALT LAKE CITY — A controversial bill proposing changes to Utah’s sex offender registry was met with both support and criticism on Capitol Hill Friday.

When SB155 was first released by Senator Todd Weiler last week it was met with harsh criticism, on Friday a substitute bill was presented in the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee. The original version of SB155 focused on moving certain criminal offenses with a lifetime sex offender registration to the list of offenses only requiring a 10-year registration.

But now this substitute bill focuses on reducing the length of time on the registry before a sex offender, after serving their full sentence, can request a risk assessment and go before a judge to ask to be removed from the registry.

“I think in those rare circumstances where someone maybe got onto the database with unusual circumstances or they’re on the database and they truly have reformed their lives they should have the chance to make that case before a judge,” said Senator Todd Weiler (R-Wood Cross), Chief Sponsor of HB155.

During a public comment period on Friday, those in support and opposition to the bill spoke before the committee.

“Are we a society that believes in redemption,” said Steve Burton, a defense attorney who spoke in favor of the bill.

“By the time someone is asking for removal they have already done time,” added Mark Moffitt, who is also a defense attorney.

HB 155 looks to allow those with a lifetime registration to appeal to a judge 12 years after their sentence, not the current 20. And those with a 10-year registration sentence to appeal after 5-years, instead of 8.

Those in opposition to the bill asked the committee Friday to recognize the lifetime impact sex abuse crimes have on victims. Several expressed outrage that Utah’s lawmakers would even consider such a bill.

“We can forgive but we should never forget,” Patrice Patterson said. “This bill, even as amended, says a message to victims that we care more about the perpetrators then we do about them.”

“The damage done to survivors doesn’t end in 10, 12 years, it doesn’t end in 20 years,” Delanie England said.

Several of the lawmakers on the committee who voted to send the substitute bill to the full senate did so saying they didn’t necessarily support it as stands right now but wanted to give the full body a chance to debate it. The substitute bill passed 5-3 and now moves to the Senate Floor.