2018 SMART AWA/SORNA

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (AWA) authorizes the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) to administer grants to assist states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and tribal jurisdictions in developing and/or enhancing sex offender registration and notification programs that support substantial implementation of Title I of the AWA, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA was enacted to protect the public from convicted sex offenders and offenders against children by establishing a comprehensive national system for the registration of those offenders.

The Montana Department of Corrections will use funds to increase investigative and prosecutorial efforts for noncompliant registrants; develop and execute memoranda of understanding with tribal nations currently operating as SORNA jurisdictions in Montana; provide information, guidance and assistance to legislators regarding necessary statutory updates; and enhance existing community education programs. ca/ncf