Ga. softens once lauded strict sex offender law - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Georgia softens once lauded strict sex offender law

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Associated Press - July 19, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia was lauded by conservatives four years ago for passing one of the nation's toughest sex offender laws, but the state has recently had to significantly scale back its restrictions amid court challenges.

The state's old law was challenged by civil liberties groups even before it took effect. After losing a string of court battles, lawmakers decided to make a change or risk a federal judge throwing out the entire law.

Previously, all sex offenders were banned from living and working within 1,000 feet of schools, parks and other places where children gather. The new law lifts the restrictions on sex offenders who committed their crimes before June 4, 2003.

That's some 13,000 registered sex offenders. About 5,000 registered sex offenders still face tough rules.

 

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