Clarification to our suggestion of adopting SORNA tiers
On March 11th we posted an opinion piece suggesting that Florida should adopt SORNAs Tier system. The post generated some controversy and confusion, so a clarification is warranted.
The Florida Action Committee (FAC) remains steadfast in its mission to abolish the sex offender registry entirely. However, while working toward this ultimate goal, FAC recognizes the need to advocate for incremental reforms that can alleviate some of the harms caused by the current system. One such reform is adopting the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) tiered system in Florida, replacing the state’s current lifetime registration requirement for all offenders.
To be absolutely clear: FAC’s core mission is to abolish the sex offender registry, which we believe is inherently flawed, punitive, and counterproductive. The registry perpetuates stigma, hinders rehabilitation, and fails to enhance public safety. However, until the federal SORNA is repealed—a necessary prerequisite for eliminating the registry altogether—FAC supports pragmatic, incremental changes that can mitigate the harms of the current system.
Florida’s one-size-fits-all approach mandates lifetime registration for all individuals on the registry, regardless of the severity of their offense or their risk of reoffending. This policy creates permanent barriers to housing, employment, and reintegration into society.
The federal SORNA system uses a three-tiered classification to categorize offenders based on their perceived risk level:
– Tier I: Low-risk offenders, are typically required to register for 15 years.
– Tier II: Moderate-risk offenders, are required to register for 25 years.
– Tier III: High-risk offenders, are subject to lifetime registration.
Adopting this tiered system in Florida would be a significant improvement over the current lifetime registration requirement. It would allow some individuals to eventually move on with their lives.
FAC’s advocacy for SORNA tiers is not a deviation from its mission but a strategic step toward achieving it. Until SORNA is repealed at the federal level, eliminating Florida’s registry would be a hollow victory, as federal requirements would still apply. By suggesting a tiered system, FAC aims to create a better framework within the existing legal constraints.
Rest assured that FAC remains committed to its mission of abolishing the sex offender registry. However, in the interim, we support practical reforms like adopting SORNA tiers to mitigate the harms of the current system. This incremental approach allows us to address some of the immediate injustices while continuing to fight for the broader systemic change we believe is necessary.
Discover more from Florida Action Committee
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Well if your so strong at wanting to abolish the registry then FAC and NARSOL needs to get on board with me cause there is only 3 who can over turn Smith vs Doe. God Almighty, The new Supreme Court ( Justice Thomas excluded ) who will not have former Justice Souters rose covered glasses to not see it’s a punishment, and last the Original New Jersey Megans Law’s John Doe Ex Post Facto with the proof of punishment in my hand… LEE County knows but FDLE is still in denial placing the burden on me for a second time on the civil side of the ACT. Someone in LE has lied to cover it up but the first time the burden on me was UNCONSTITUTIONAL New Jersey got away with it. But telling that to bubble brain Jonas was a joke. What people don’t understand is what Congressman Dick Zimmer did on July 27th, 1995 with H.R. 2137, he stripped Tier Level 1 out in name only placing Level 1 into Level 2 for a 100% public registry punishing 45% of the registry with public shaming right from the start. I found his smoking gun and I have the court judgements to back my ass up. Alaska IS NOT Megans Law New Jersey is. There is a reason they switched it to Alaska because it is only a 2 tier system hiding the Level 1 “register only” not for public notification. You want it abolished, I can do that but I’m not paying hundreds of thousands to do it. I’ve spent 26 years on the public registry exceeding my retroactive Tier Level 1 civil judgement paperwork they refused to honor. I’ll be the Rosa Parks of the registry. I’m just toying with them until I get bored then I will hit them with the biggest lawsuit in Florida history.
Ok
Go fac. Get rid of registry
I think some one should write a letter to musk and tell him how much money is wasted on the registry , hope face can get rid of the registry, I have been onthe registry for32 yrs
Already did
How could it be 32 years when the registry didn’t start until May 10th, 1994 in Alaska, The Federal registry started on Sept. 13th, 1994 and Megans Law on 10/31/1994… it’s only been 30 years.
The Tiered system would be a huge leap in the right direction. If we had a tiered system then more of us would be in a position to take up the fight against the Registry. Many persons forced to register have their hands tied because they cannot afford to stir the pot in their area. I am all for it as a stepping stone to eliminate the weaponized law.
It’s actually how it started out as in New Jersey with Megans Law. On July 25th, 1995 it was found constitutional but then on July 27th Congressman Dick Zimmer ( Tricky Dick ) stripped out Level 1 in name only placing Low Level Non Violent registrants into a higher level for a 100% public registry. It’s coming out soon with the proof it’s a punishment. I’m just working them over first. FDLE is in bad shape and they know it.
Would love to see this happen. To be able to live like a normal person and not be harassed by neighbors. To think that a ex wife hates you so much that she made this accusation and a Court appointed attorney did not know how to do their job and did not care.