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What is it: This measure would increase the penalties imposed on sex offenders. It would increase the distance that registered sex offenders would have to live from a school or park, requires a GPS system on the serious offenders, expands the definition of the sex offender and makes it much more difficult to release sex offenders from prison.
What the Pro people are saying: Also known as Jessica’s Law, this measure is needed to stop sex offenders to continue their crimes once released from prison. This law would also go after internet sex offenders, a growing segment of the sex offenders’ population. With this measure, we envision safer schools and parks.
What the Con people are saying: This law has been passed in other states, but the outcome has not been that great. It sucks up vital law enforcement resources with little result. Citing a similar measure in Iowa, this measure does not do what it promises, and only drains state resources toward that end.
Bottom Line: In my opinion, this is a poorly written proposition that has exploited a tragic incident (it is named after a 9-year old girl, Jessica, who was the victim of a repeat offender). It is politically incorrect (and political suicide) to come out against this measure. Within 10 years, this proposition will cost the state about $100 million per year, and it does almost nothing on prevention and rehabilitation. As a father of a little girl, I aim to protect her with my life and would want the state to do the same. However, this proposition is not going to help toward that end. This measure will probably fail in the courts and/or be very difficult to enforce (considering it is still unclear which law enforcement agency would be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the law and which jurisdiction would foot the bill).
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I read a recent article about the housing impact of the Iowa bill - basically creating sex-offender enclaves outside of urban areas. I have to agree with you on this one. While I think the protection of children from all kinds of violence - sexual or otherwise - is a huge priority, this fails to do that in any proactive and progressive way.