The Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding registered sex offenders that the 15-day, annual address verification period began January 1.  State law requires all registered sex offenders, both felony and misdemeanor-listed offenders, to report in person to their local law enforcement agency during this period to verify their address or face a graduated penalty ranging from a 93-day misdemeanor to a four-year felony.  

Per Public Act 295 of 1994, known as the Sex Offenders Registration Act, offenders convicted of a felony-listed offense must report to their city/township police department, county sheriff or local MSP post to verify their address during the first 15 days of January, April, July and October. 

Offenders convicted of misdemeanor-listed offenses are required to report to their local law enforcement agency to verify their address yearly, January 1 through January 15. 

Offenders are also required to report a change of address within 10 days of moving or face a four-year felony.

The Sex Offenders Registration Act allows for the arrest of an offender who is not in compliance with the Act's reporting requirements.  Violators may be arrested during a traffic stop or any other contact with law enforcement.  Additionally, law enforcement agencies can conduct periodic sex offender sweeps, during which offenders' addresses are verified and absconders are actively sought.