Hour 2 was devoted to the telephone scams targeting registered citizens that are making their way around the country. Those with first hand information, from Oregon to Florida, called in to share their experiences on air. Lori Hamilton, affiliate leader of one of NARSOL’S Oklahoma groups, was on the air with Larry explaining some of that state’s attempts to identify the scammers.

We learned quite a bit of information. The scammers in general are sophisticated and very believable. A common thread among most of the calls was being told that a criminal warrant had been issued for some form of non-compliance and then being given the option to settle the matter “civilly.” This often involved purchasing gift cards in various amounts. Most of the calls came late at night, some very, very late. More than one story revealed that, in more than one state, authorities would not even allow a report to be filed.

The third hour was focused on the latest news about International Megan’s Law and international travel. Paul Rigney of RTAG was with us along with Louisiana attorney King Alexander to discuss the situation.

One of the main points to emerge is that if you are a registrant and are travelling internationally, or planning to, there is a possibility that you will be informed that your passport has been revoked.

Also under discussion is possible future legal action that may be taken arising from the various requirements of IML.

Time allowed attorney Alexander to take questions from the listening audience.

NARSOL has learned that the U.S. State Department has begun canceling valid passports pursuant to authority granted by Congress in 2016 when it passed International Megan’s Law (IML). This has resulted in American citizens being turned back at several foreign destinations recently. Paul Rigney from Registered Citizen Travel Action Group (RTAG) will share his organization’s knowledge regarding IML issues, which we hope will assist those planning to travel outside the United States. In addition, attorney Paul Dubbeling will answer questions regarding potential litigation challenging IML.

We will focus on the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court rejecting the Cumberland County District Attorney’s effort to undo the PA Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Muniz. Our special guests will be Lea Bickerton and Robert Cicchinelli. Ms. Bickerton is an attorney in Pittsburgh with extensive experience dealing with registry issues. Mr. Cicchinnelli serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and chairs their policy subcommittee for sex offender issues. Theresa Robertson, who is NARSOL’s advocate in PA, will also be assisting us with the call.

This hour is an open forum segment which will permit callers up to three minutes to tell a story or pose a question. We will remind everyone of the rules before this segment begins.

This hour will feature civil rights attorney Adele Nicholas discussing Murphy v. Madigan. This lawsuit challenges the laws and housing regulations that result in individuals convicted of sexual offenses remaining in prison beyond their release dates.

This hour features Deborah Nall, an Appellate Defender, discussing the case of People of Illinois v. Bingham. This case challenges lifetime registration for those previously convicted of a registerable sex offense.

Also, this hour will feature Katherine Strohl, who has previously been on a call with us. Ms. Strohl will discuss People of Illinois v. Pepitone. This case challenges the constitutionality of the Illinois park presence and loitering restrictions. NARSOL filed an amicus brief in support of Pepitone in this important case.

This is an open forum. This is a new segment which will permit callers to have up to five minutes to tell their stories and/or ask questions