Simi Valley Repeals Halloween Ordinance

The Simi Valley City Council unanimously agreed tonight to repeal its Halloween Ordinance which required the city’s registrants to post a sign on the front door of their homes as well as prohibited them from decorating their homes, answering the door to trick-or-treaters and illuminating any exterior lights. The City Council vote was taken without discussion or debate, however, the City Attorney recommended repeal of the ordinance prior to the meeting due to a lawsuit filed on behalf of a registrant and his family who reside in Simi Valley. “The…

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OK: Legislation that updates, streamlines sex offender registration signed into law

Legislation that would update and streamline sex offender registration has been signed into law. This week, Governor Mary Fallin signed legislation improving Oklahoma’s sex offender registry. … “The purpose of the sex offender registry continues to be public safety—to make sure law enforcement knows where registered sex offenders are living, and making that information available to our citizens,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie.  “This legislation streamlines the notification process, ensures greater consistency in assigning levels for registration, and adds an additional requirement for informing DHS when a sex offender returns to a…

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MA: Questions raised over statutory rape provision in senate criminal justice bill

A proposal within a comprehensive Massachusetts Senate criminal justice reform bill to create a “close age exception” for the state’s statutory rape law is just one of several provisions to generate heat. The bill, sponsored by Sen. William Brownsberger, D-Belmont, would take away the possibility of prosecution for consensual sex between someone who is 15 and a partner less than four years older, someone under 15 and a partner less than three years older, or someone under 12 and a partner who is less than two years older. It would…

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