EXECUTIVE ORDER
03-22
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the citizens of the State of Missouri is a primary function of state and local government, and the availability of an accurate sex offender registry, along with prompt enforcement of registration violations, enhances public safety;
WHEREAS, there are currently more than 9,000 registered sex offenders as a result of legislation that was first enacted in 1994;
WHEREAS, the ability to accurately provide sex offender registration information to concerned citizens in a timely fashion requires the coordinated effort of the Department of Corrections, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement;
WHEREAS, lapses in the sex registration process could lead to serious consequences for sex offense victims; and
WHEREAS, the need exists to conduct a systemic review of the sex offender registration process to increase registry accuracy, enforcement, victim access, and offender accountability;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BOB HOLDEN, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, hereby create and establish the Missouri Sexual Offender Registration Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the "Task Force") to study solutions for improving the sex offender registration process in Missouri.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force is assigned for administrative purposes to the Office of the Governor.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force, whose primary task will be to analyze, determine and recommend courses of action relating to the improvement of the sex offender registration process, including recommendations for statutory changes consistent with the objectives set forth in this Executive Order, shall be comprised of the following eleven (11) members:
- The Director of the Department of Corrections or an appointed designee;
- The Chair of the Parole Board or an appointed designee;
- The Director of the Department of Public Safety or an appointed designee;
- The Missouri State Highway Patrol Superintendent or an appointed designee;
- One member of the Senate from the majority party and one member of the Senate from the minority party, appointed by the President Pro Tern of the Senate;
- One member of the House of Representatives from the majority parry and one member of the House of Representatives from the minority party appointed by the Speaker of the House;
- One Victim Rights advocate appointed by the Governor;
- One Prosecuting Attorney appointed by the Governor;
- One County Sheriff appointed by the Governor.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force members shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties for the Task Force.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force may invite individuals representing local and federal agencies or private organizations and the general public to serve as ex. officio members.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force shall submit a report of its activities to the Governor, the President Pro-Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by May 1, 2004, Task Force members shall serve until January 1, 2005.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson on this 10th day of December, 2003.
[Bob Holden's signature]
Bob Holden
Governor
ATTEST:
[Matt Blunt's signature]
Matt Blunt
SECRETARY OF STATE