Nebraska Sex Offender Registration

Sex Offender Registration Act

Beginning January 1, 1997, all persons who plead guilty to or are found guilty of any listed sex offense(s) or are on probation, parole, or incarcerated for any of the listed offenses are required to register with the county sheriff where they reside within 5 working days of becoming subject to the act.

The registration requirement includes any person who moves to Nebraska and has pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of any equivalent offense in another jurisdiction outside of Nebraska.

This registration shall be for a period of 10 years with an annual (or quarterly) verification.

Purpose of Sex Offender Registration:
  • Assist in the investigation of sex crimes.
  • Prevent future sex offenses.
  • Track potentially dangerous sex offenders.

Community Notification Act

In July of 1998, a new dimension was added to the registry with the passage and implementation of the Community Notification Act. This type of law is often referred to as a Megan's Law, named after Megan Kanka, a young girl who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a twice-convicted sex offender in her neighborhood.

The Nebraska version provides for a three-tier system of notification based on the offender's risk to re-offend. The first tier, or Level I, will be considered at low risk to re-offend. This level will only be made available to law enforcement. The Level II offenders' (at moderate risk to reoffend) information will be made available to not only law enforcement, but also to schools, day-care centers, and religious and youth organizations. The Level III offenders' (at high risk to reoffend) information will be available to all of the above and the community as a whole.

The establishment of peace of mind for citizens is the goal behind the registration law.

For more information regarding the Sex Offender Registration Program, please contact the Nebraska State Patrol Sex Offender Registry at 402-471-4545 or visit their website.

This information was taken from an article written by Gary Plank of the Nebraska State Patrol.