State hit list disclaimers.

A while ago I cataloged the disclaimers different states use in order to avoid lawsuits when the invaluable happens and some one uses the Sex Offender Registry to target those listed on it.

There are ways to prevent vigilantism such as not posting a hit list online. States could demonstrate that they are actually interested in prosecuting vigilantism. States could monitor who looks at what like the state of Maine has done. These disclaimers are basically for show. I think the states that don't bother posting them do more to discourage vigilante activity.

It's an interesting study any ways into the modern day scarlet letter. There are a few states of interest in here but most states have a rather vanilla disclaimer. Some states put a little work into making their disclaimers stand out. Other disclaimers are hard to find or buried. There are accept reject buttons next to some disclaimers. Some states have made special laws to enforce the prohibition vigilantism against RSOs. Some states require that you register in order to see more complete profiles.

Missouri is interesting it has no disclaimer and a previous practice of posting the exempt individuals. I consider Missouri the worst state on the list in protecting RSOs based on their disclaimer.

The State of Wisconsin which has no online database is probably the best state in protecting RSOs.

Any ways here is the list.

Alabama

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS. MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

Accept Decline

Alaska

none.

Arizona

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS. MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

Arkansas

Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, activity on this site is monitored.
You must agree to these conditions in order to enter the site.

California

Legal and Illegal Uses. The information on this web site is made available solely to protect the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime or to harass an offender or his or her family is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. Any person who is required to register pursuant to Penal Code section 290 who enters this web site is punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. (Pen. Code, § 290.46, subd. (h)(2).)

I have read the disclaimer and agree to these terms and conditions.

Colorado

Note: The following information is provided as an awareness tool so that you can adequately protect yourself and your children from these individuals. The use of the sex offender registry information to harass, endanger, intimidate, threaten or in any way seek retribution on an offender through illegal channels is prohibited. Any person who engages or participates in such acts may be charged criminally.
I have read this disclaimer and agree to all provisions.

Connecticut

The following WARNING is posted pursuant to C.G.S. Sec 54-258a:
In bold red print can't be right clicked ANY PERSON WHO USES INFORMATION IN THIS REGISTRY O INJURE, HARASS, OR COMMIT A CRIMINAL ACT AGAINST ANY PERSON INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRY OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

Delaware

Any person who uses the information contained herein to threaten, intimidate, or harass the registrant or their family, or ho misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

I agree

Florida

hidden down the page under IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

It is illegal to misuse public records information regarding a sexual predator or a sexual offender as defined by Florida Statutes and to secure a payment from such a predator or offender; to knowingly distribute or publish false information relating to such a predator or offender and to misrepresent such information as being public records information; or to materially alter public records information with the intent to misrepresent the information, including documents, summaries of public records information provided by law enforcement agencies, or public records information displayed by law enforcement agencies on websites or provided through other means of communication. Section 775.21(10)(c), Florida Statutes.Section 775.21(10)(c), Florida Statutes.

Georgia

None

Hawaii

Any person who uses the information in this registry to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any person included in the registry may be subject to criminal prosecution, civil liability, or both.
Proceed

Idaho

In gray box WARNING:

The information in the Idaho sex offender registry is provided only for the purpose of protecting the public. It is not to be used for the purpose of harassing or intimidating anyone. A person who uses registry information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to arrest and prosecution under sections 18-8326 or 18-8413, Idaho Code.

Illinois

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Information compiled on this Registry may not be used to harass or threaten sex offenders or their families. Harassment, stalking or threats may violate Illinois criminal law.

I Agree I Do Not Agree

Indiana

None

Iowa

3) Any actions taken by you against these subjects, including vandalism of property, verbal or written threats of harm or physical assault against these subjects, their families or employers can result in your arrest and prosecution.

In order to access some areas of this website you must acknowledge the statements above. Acknowledge your acceptance by entering the captcha below.

Kansas

Warning: Any person who uses information obtained through this website to threaten, intimidate or harass another, or who otherwise misuses the information, may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil liability.
I have read the above disclaimer and understand the terms for using this website.

Kentucky

UNDER KRS 525.070 AND 525.080, USE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THIS WEB SITE TO HARASS A PERSON IDENTIFIED ON THIS WEB SITE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE PUNISHABLE BY UP TO NINETY (90) DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL. MORE SEVERE CRIMINAL PENALTIES APPLY FOR MORE SEVERE CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST A PERSON IDENTIFIED ON THIS WEB SITE.

By using this Web Site, the user acknowledges that he or she has read the above disclaimer.

Louisiana

Any person who uses information contained in or accessed through this Website to threaten, intimidate, or harass any individual, including registrants or family members, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Agree Not Agree

Maine

In yellow attention box. Use of this information to threaten, intimidate, or harass any registrant or any other person may result in criminal prosecution.

Maryland

In separate pop up. The information presented on this Web site should not be used in any manner to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any individual named in the registry, or residing or working at the reported address. Any such action could subject you to criminal prosecution.

Massachusetts

User Acknowledgement and Acceptance

Information shall not be used to commit a crime or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassments of an offender. Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to M.G.L. C. 6 §§ 178C - 178P for such purposes shall be punished by not more than two and one half (2 ½) years in a house of correction or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000.00) or both (M.G.L. C.6, § 178N). In addition, any person who uses Registry information to threaten to commit a crime may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months (M.G.L. C. 275 § 4).

Pursuant to M.G.L. C. 6, §§ 178C - 178P, the individuals who appear on the following notifications have been designated a Level 3 Sex Offenders by the Sex Offender Registry Board. The Board has determined that these individuals have a high risk to reoffend and that the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification.

By proceeding you are agreeing that you are a person who is 18 years of age or older, that you have read and understand the statements above, that you acknowledge that you are requesting this information for your own protection or for the protection of a child or another person for whom you have responsibility, care, custody, and that you believe you are likely to encounter an offender who may be posted on this website. If you do not agree, please select, I do not accept.

PROCEED DECLINE

Michigan

Information on this site must not be used to unlawfully injure, harass, or commit a crime against any individual named in the registry or residing or working at any reported address.

I have read the disclaimer and agree to the terms captcha.

Minnesota

None.

Mississippi

Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution. The sale or exchange of sex offender information for profit is prohibited. Misuse of this information is a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail not more than six (6) months, or both.

Agree Disagree

Missouri

None see note.

An EXEMPT offender is one who had previously been required to register, but no longer has a "duty" as a result of the 2006/2007 Missouri Supreme court rulings dealing with retroactive application of the law. (See fact sheet page). If you have seen an offender in the past who is no longer listed, it may be due to their conviction, plea, or adjudication date being prior to the date the offense was added to the Missouri sex offender statutes.

Due to a Ruling of the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District (WD68066), the exempt list will no longer be posted on our web site.

Montana

Anyone who uses this information to injure, harass or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Nebraska

Sex offender registry information shall not be used to retaliate against the registrants, their families, or their employers in any way. Vandalism, verbal or written threats of harm are illegal and will result in arrest and prosecution.

Nevada

It is illegal to use information obtained through this web site to commit a crime against a registered sex offender or to engage in discrimination or harassment against a registered sex offender. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.

New Hampshire

other parts are bold this is not. Anyone who uses this information to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution.

New Jersey

Special flashy warning box

Prohibitions on Misuse of Registry Information
Consistent with this public safety purpose of Megan's Law, the Internet registry law expressly prohibits the use of registry information for the purpose of applying for, obtaining, or denying health insurance, insurance, loans, credit, education, scholarships or fellowships, benefits privileges or services provided by any business establishment (unless for a purpose consistent with the enhancement of public safety), or housing or accommodations.
The law also makes it a crime, punishable by a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine of up to $15,000, to use registry information to commit a criminal offense, and makes it a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, to use registry information to commit any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense. These charges would be in addition to any charges related to the underlying criminal act committed.

New Mexico

WARNING: The information provided is intended for community safety purposes only and should not be used to threaten, intimidate, or harass.

New York

The information in this Subdirectory must be used responsibly. Anyone who uses this information to harass or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution.

By clicking "Search" you acknowledge
that you have read the disclaimer below.

North Carolina

Use and/or misuse of this information by individuals, groups or entities to commit criminal acts (to include, but not limited to, threats, intimidation, stalking, harassment) against other persons is subject to criminal prosecution.

North Dakota

Any actions taken by persons against these subjects, including vandalism of property, intimidation, harassment or verbal or written threats of harm against these subjects or their families, landlords, or employers, are not acceptable, and will likely result in arrest and prosecution of those persons.

Ohio

It has not been made available for you to take action against any individual. Any action against an offender which is determined to be a violation of he law will subject the violator to arest and prosecution.

Oklahoma

Sex offender registry information shall not be used to retaliate against the registrants, their families, or their employers in any way. Vandalism, verbal or written threats of harm are illegal and will result in arrest and prosecution.
I have read the Web Site Caveats and agree to the terms.

Oregon

Legal and Illegal Uses
It is illegal to use information obtained through this web site to commit a crime against a registered sex offender or to engage in discrimination or harassment against a registered sex offender. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.

Pennsylvania

Under big red warning sign.
Any person who uses the information contained herein to threaten, intimidate, or harass the registrant or their family, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Rhode Island

WARNING: Information contained on this Web site should not be used to threaten or harass any identified individual as such conduct may be prohibited under the general laws of Rhode Island.

South Carolina

None

South Dakota

ANY PERSON WHO USES INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS ANY INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING REGISTRANTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS, OR WHO OTHERWISE MISUSES THIS INFORMATION, MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

I have read the disclaimer and agree to these terms and conditions.

Tennessee

first paragraph on search page Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-39-201, members of the public are not allowed to use information from the registry to inflict retribution or additional punishment to offenders. Harassment, stalking, or threats against offenders or members of their families are prohibited and doing so may violate both Tennessee criminal and civil laws.

Texas

bottom of page Anyone who uses any information on this website to injure, harass, or for any other unlawful purpose may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Utah

right click disabled

Pursuant to Utah Code Ann. Section 77-27-21.5(24)(b) and (c). members of the public are not allowed to use the information to harass or threaten offenders or members of their families; and harassment, stalking, or threats against offenders or their families are prohibited and doing so may violate Utah criminal laws.

Vermont

Any person who uses information in this registry to injure, harass, or commit a criminal offense against any person included in the registry or any other person is subject to criminal prosecution.

I Acknowledge that I have read the disclaimers above.

Virginia

Legal and Illegal Uses. The information on this web site is made available solely to provide information to the public. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, absent other aggravating circumstances, the mere republication or reasonable distribution of material contained on or derived for the publicly available Internet sex offender database shall not be deemed intimidation or harassment.

Wyoming

ANY PERSON WHO USES INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR ACCESSED THROUGH THE WYSORS WEBSITE TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS ANY INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING REGISTRANTS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, OR WHO OTHERWISE MISUSES THIS INFORMATION, MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, OR CIVIL LIABILITY UNDER FEDERAL AND/OR STATE LAW.

I acknowledge that I have read the disclaimers above.

Wisconsin

No online database.

West Virginia

part of a very short notice. The information accessed through the use of this website may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders and violations of law will be investigated by the West Virginia State Police.