Obtaining Sex Offender Information 
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 Kanka's sought to have local communities warned about sex offenders in the area. In order to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future, on September 6, 1996, California State Assembly Bill 1562 was adopted, implementing California’s version of the federal "Megan’s Law."
On December 15, 2004, the public was given the ability to view sex offenders on the new internet state operated Megan’s Law Web site. This web site was the result of California Assembly Bill 488 being signed into law on September 24, 2004.
The web site provides the public with the below listed information on California registered sex offenders (specified persons who are required to register as sex offenders under Penal Code section 290):
- name and any known aliases used
- specific residence address or zip code
- physical description
- offense conviction(s) related to their registration requirement
- a photograph
- a mapping feature which allows the users to search for the location of a sex offender by name, address, city, county, or proximity to parks and schools.
California Penal Code § 290 Registration Notice
State law requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register with their local law enforcement agency within 5 working days of their birthday and within 5 working days of changing their address. Law enforcement does not possess the authority to dictate where a registered individual lives, provided they comply with all statutory registration requirements. Full details are codified in California Penal Code Section 290.