Texas Sex Offender Registry Requirements
Since 1991, Texas has had some form of sex offender registry. This article provides a basic overview of when someone is required to register and the information he or she must provide, but anyone who may be required to register should contact a criminal defense attorney to ensure he or she is complying with current laws, as they are frequently a matter of legislative attention.
Who Must Register?
Across the nation, people convicted of a sex offense are often required to provide their information to local law enforcement agencies to be included in an online database. In Texas, someone may be required to register as a sex offender if he or she has a conviction or adjudication for certain offenses, including:
- Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
- Prohibited sexual conduct
- Indecency with a child or sexual abuse of a child
- Possession of child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Compelling prostitution
- Aggravated kidnapping
What Information Must Be Provided?
An individual required to participate in the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program must provide a significant amount of personal information to his or her local law enforcement agency. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, this information includes the following:
- Full name and aliases
- Birth date
- Sex
- Race
- Height and weight
- Physical description including eye and hair color
- Shoe size
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- Home address or area of residence
- Home, work and cellphone numbers
- Color photograph
- Fingerprints
- Conviction and victim information
- Employment or educational status