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The new law, passed by the Missouri Legislature this year, also bars registered sex offenders from taking part in Halloween candy giveaways. Instead, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. each Oct. 31, registered sex offenders must stay in their homes, extinquish outdoor lights and post a sign that they are not providing treats or candy.
The measure tightens registration requirements for newly released offenders, reducing to three days from 10 the time for them to register. But for some on the registry, the law creates a path to have their names removed after 10 years if their crimes did not involve violence.
The new law also takes aim at offenders who use the Internet to lure victims by requiring registered offenders to provide law enforcement a list of all e-mail names, instant messaging identifiers and personal Web sites used by the offender.
The bill will build on laws passed in recent years aimed at protecting children from sexual predators, Blunt said. The Internet identifications mean parents can search a database to see if someone sending their child e-mails or taking part in online chats is actually a sex criminal. "This will better enable parents to join this fight," he said.
Blunt conducted a signing ceremony at the Cape Girardeau Police Department surrounded by law enforcement officials.
In some of its provisions, the law adds to the list of crimes that will force compliance with the sex offender registry, including crimes committed outside Missouri and "conspiring to commit" sex offenses. In others, it toughens the penalty, such as denying probation or parole for three years to anyone convicted of promoting pornographic material depicting a child younger than 14.
The relaxation of sex offender registry rules only covers a limited number of crimes. But Blunt said the courts will retain discretion over whether to order the removal of a name. Limiting the list to those most likely to reoffend will make it more effective, Blunt said.
"The registry can become so large that it is not a valuable resource for parents," Blunt said.
The Halloween restrictions were not part of the original bill, but it addresses justified concerns of parents, Blunt said.
335-6611, extension 126
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No I don't think sex offenders should ever *******.Once a sex offender always a sex offender.I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT!.Matt BLunt should think about what if this was his child.This is stupid wow halloween this is everyday life.I think all sex offender provin guilty should be serving that 7-14 years in prison.Once you ruin somebody's life you should be in jail.Some sex offenders really mess kids up.How would you feel if it was your child.To anybody who disagrees your not right.I could have lost someone in my family thanks to sex offender I think this bill is stupid.Sex offender are in parks,swimming pools,schools,and they rape kids all ages.NOW THINK ABOUT THAT PARENTS!Some sex offenders are really Crazy.SO THANKS MATT BLUNT ONES THAT SERVE A REAL PEOPLE AGAIN NOT A SEX OFFENDER!!!!!I DISAGREE WITH THIS BILL!!!
I dont understand why you would disagree with this bill if you are against sex offenders. Gov. Matt Blunt is "Cracking Down" on sex offenders, not letting them go. You need to read and UNDERSTAND the article before creating such a comment!