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is the colloquial term used to denote a number of state laws in the United States that require law enforcement authorities to identify what are generally called sex offenders to the public at large through various media, including in some cases the Internet.

The characteristic feature of Megans laws requires those subject to it to notify the local police department of any change of address after being released from prison.

This requirement may be imposed permanently upon the offender or for a fixed period of time (usually at least ten years), depending on the individual state, and sometimes on the nature or gravity of the specific offense.

Some states that have such a law require persons convicted of any sexual assault, whether the victim was a child or not, to notify the authorities of their whereabouts. The first Megan's Law was passed in New Jersey in 1994 after the rape and murder of Megan Nicole Kanka by Jesse Timmendequas, a convicted sex offender who was living across the street from her.

The Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation suggests that "Every parent should have the right to know if a dangerous sexual predator moves into their neighborhood."

In 1996, the federal Megan's Law was passed (U.S. Public Law 104-145). Authored by Congressman Dick Zimmer, it requires every state to develop a procedure for notifying concerned people when a person convicted of certain crimes is released near their homes. Different states have different procedures for making the required disclosures.

Megans Law, enacted in 1996, allows states to disclose public information about convicted sex offenders. Each state may define the types of sex offenders who are required to register and regularly report to law enforcement. For information on how each state defines, discloses, and maintains data on sex offenders, please visit your state's sex offender registry website. These sites can be located by visiting:

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm

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Megan's Law, enacted in 1996, allows states to disclose public information about convicted sex offenders.

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