(MOBILE, Ala.) Jan. 2 -- How would you know if the teenage baby sitter you hired had been convicted of a sex crime? In some cases, you may not be able to find out because juvenile records are sealed. But one woman is hoping to change that.
Sharon Walker contacted Alabama Attorney General Troy King this year and asked him to change the law.
"They have written a bill based on my letter, which would open all the records," said Walker.
A spokesperson for King's office confirmed that Walker did contact their office. The spokesperson says King is unveiling his legislative proposals next week. Part of King's plan is to substantially change the community notification act, which requires sex offenders to register. While the spokesperson did say King's proposal will impact how juveniles register, his office would say how.
Currently, teens 16 and older who commit serious sex crimes like rape and sodomy are treated as adults and forced to register. While children who are younger and commit the same offenses are typically sent to the Department of Youth Services for therapeutic treatment. Whether the offender is forced to register after treatment is up to a judge.
Walker wants discretion taken out of the law and force all juveniles who commit sex crimes to register.
"And that's how the children are really going to be protected is when the bill becomes a law, and its my goal once its passed in Alabama to see it pass in all 50 states," said Walker.
