HB 137 Summary

• Grants Delaware Family Court discretion to determine sex offender registration requirements for juveniles adjudicated delinquent of sex offenses, rather than applying mandatory registration to all juveniles.

• Requires courts to obtain a comprehensive evaluation, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations from a certified mental health professional specializing in juvenile sex offenders before sentencing any juvenile for a sex offense.

• Mandates automatic registration and community notification only for juveniles aged 14 and older at the time of offense who committed specific enumerated sex offenses under §§771-778 of Title 11 (required by federal Adam Walsh Act).

• Allows courts discretion for juveniles under age 14 or those 14+ who committed other sex offenses to determine appropriate registration and notification requirements by considering factors including community risk, victim impact, rehabilitation likelihood, and effects on the juvenile's rehabilitation.

• Maintains Delaware's compliance with federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act while allowing judicial flexibility for less serious juvenile offenders.