Bill would retroactively add 4,800 Missourians to the sex offender registry
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Bill would retroactively add 4,800 Missourians to the sex offender registry

Date: March 31, 2009
By: Rebecca Beitsch
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SJR 3

Intro: A Senate Joint Resolution would put nearly 5,000 Missouri sexual offenders back on the sex offender registry. Rebecca Beitsch (b-EYE-ch) has more from the State Capitol. RunTime:0:45
OutCue: SOC

According to one Missouri Senator, there are 4,800 sexual offenders in Missouri who are not listed in the state sex offender registry.

States have been required to register their sexual offenders since 1995 after Megan's Law was passed by the U.S. Congress.

Missouri does not currently register those who committed sex crimes before 1995, but Cape Girardeau Senator Jason Crowell has introduced a joint resolution to change that.

 

Actuality:  CROWELL1.WAV
Run Time: 00:12
Description: "Regardless of whether you committed a reportable sexual offense after 1995 or before January 1, 1995, I think you should all be on the list."

Similar legislation has been introduced twice but failed in the House.

From the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

 

Intro: A 2006 Missouri Supreme Court case took nearly 5,000 sex offenders off the state registry, but one state senator has introduced a joint resolution to put them back on the list. RunTime:0:42
OutCue: SOC

Cape Girardeau Senator Jason Crowell's efforts to get 4,800 sex offenders back on the state registry received words of support from both sides of the aisle.

Expanding the registry to include sex offenders who committed crimes prior to 1995 would expand the DNA data bank of such offenders. Some senators expressed hope this could help to solve old crimes.

Smithville Senator Luann Ridgeway:

 

Actuality:  RIDGE.WAV
Run Time: 00:04
Description: "We have a lot of people, old crimes have been solved because of the DNA evidence."

Ridgeway said DNA could also be used to prove some people innocent.

If passed, the bill would also mean these sex offenders would be subject to current laws like living a certain distance from schools.

From Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.