ALBANY -- A new law here in New York will change the way sex offenders are monitored.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse mandates that the State Sex Offender Registry reflect changes in an offender's treatment or supervision level.

"By keeping all of the information in the Sex Offender Registry current, those who need to be alerted of a change in status of a registered sex offender's supervision level, now will be aware of the change, and can use the information to help to keep their families safe," said Senator DeFrancisco.

The Sex Offender Registry contains information about the type of assigned supervision, such as parole or probation, as well as the length of time of such supervision.

The registry also will be actively maintained and updated to reflect any changes in an individual's treatment program.

This law takes effect immediately.