Bill would put teen sex offenders’ names online

Teenagers convicted of serious sex crimes could have their names added to an online registry under a proposed bill in the Tennessee Legislature.
Republican Rep. Debra Maggart is sponsoring a bill that would require that teens between the ages of 14 and 18 be added to the registry if convicted of crimes such as rape, rape of a child and sexual battery.
Supporters say it would give parents more protection from predators who target children.
But opponents say putting children on a public sex offender registry could stigmatize them and discourage them from seeking treatment. Mental health experts worry it could put teens on a humiliating path, leading them to commit more crime.
Teens would cycle off the registry after 25 years.