Megan's Law

Megan's Law is named after seven-year-old Megan Kanka, a New Jersey girl who was raped and killed by a known child molester who had moved across the street from the family without their knowledge. In the wake of the tragedy, the Kankas sought to have local communities warned about sex offenders in the area.

All states now have a form of Megan's Law. California's Megan's Law provides the public with certain information on the whereabouts of sex offenders so that members of our local communities may protect themselves and their children.

For more than 50 years, California has required sex offenders to register with their local law enforcement agencies. In 2004, California law mandated Internet access to detailed information on registered sex offenders. This expanded access allows the public to use their personal computers to view information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement under California's Megan's Law. 

The law is not intended to punish the offender and specifically prohibits using the information to harass or commit any crime against an offender.

Visit the Official Megan's Law web Site: http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/