The Detroit News: Editorial: Sex Offender Registry afoul of constitution

Michigan lawmakers seem keen on making important reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, which should expand protections for civil liberties. Another item they should add to the list: Revamping the state’s Sex Offender Registry Act. The changes are overdue, especially since a federal appeals court decision in 2016 found several aspects of Michigan’s law were unconstitutional. Now the impetus

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HI: Hawaii considering sex offender residency restrictions.

Hawaii, like Arkansas, is considering imposing a residency restriction on persons required to register as sex offenders. According to a news report, the proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, playground or park. The bill is introduced by Rep. Scott Nishimoto, but

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IN: Bill would bar persons required to register as sex offenders from changing name

A bill introduced by Rep. Edward Clere, R-New Albany would prevent anybody convicted of what they consider to be “some of the most serious crimes” would be ineligible for a name change. Currently anybody who is not incarcerated can apply to have their name changed. Under the proposed law, that would change and the change would bar anyone convicted of

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