---
kind: "section"
citation: "34 U.S.C. § 20988"
title: "34"
title_heading: "Crime Control and Law Enforcement"
number: "20988"
heading: "Jessica Lunsford Address Verification Grant Program"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/34/20988"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Protection of Children and Other Persons"
  - "Chapter 209 — Child Protection and Safety"
  - "Subchapter III — Grants and Other Provisions"
---

# §20988. Jessica Lunsford Address Verification Grant Program

- (a) **Establishment—** There is established the Jessica Lunsford Address Verification Grant Program (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Program”).
- (b) **Grants authorized—** Under the Program, the Attorney General is authorized to award grants to [State](/usc/34/21701.md?p=3),[^1] local governments, and Indian tribal governments to assist in carrying out programs requiring an appropriate official to verify, at appropriate intervals, the residence of all or some registered [sex offenders](/usc/34/21502.md?p=9).
- (c) **Application—**
  - (1) **In general—** Each [State](/usc/34/21701.md?p=3) or local government seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require.
  - (2) **Contents—** Each application submitted pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#c-1) shall—
    - (A) describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought; and
    - (B) provide such additional assurances as the Attorney General determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
- (d) **Innovation—** In making grants under this section, the Attorney General shall ensure that different approaches to address verification are funded to allow an assessment of effectiveness.
- (e) **Authorization of appropriations—**
  - (1) **In general—** There are authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2009 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
  - (2) **Report—** Not later than April 1, 2009, the Attorney General shall report to Congress—
    - (A) assessing the effectiveness and value of this section;
    - (B) comparing the cost effectiveness of address verification to reduce sex offenses compared to other alternatives; and
    - (C) making recommendations for continuing funding and the appropriate levels for such funding.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “States,”.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 109–248, title VI, § 631, July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 641.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 16988 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.