California's New Megan's Law Website: Employers Are Cautioned
Rod M. Fliegel of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
On December 15, 2004, California's new Megan's Law website was unveiled, allowing anyone with the click of a mouse to easily obtain access to California's database of the state's more than 63,000 registered sex offenders. The website was launched to help Californians better protect their families by becoming aware of the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders living in their communities. However, California law expressly prohibits the use of the state's sex offender registry information for employment purposes, except as otherwise provided by statute or to "protect a person at risk." Misuse of registry information is actionable and may expose the user to actual and exemplary damages, attorney's fees, and a civil fine.