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Iowa Lawmakers Could Change Sex Offender Law

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Dec 1, 2008 at 12:02 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 1, 2008 at 12:02 PM CDT

DES MOINES (AP) - As Iowa faces a deadline to update its sex offender law to match a stricter federal one, state lawmakers may use the opportunity to remove a 2,000-foot rule restricting where offenders can live.

Under the federal law, sex offenders must stay on an online public registry at least five years longer and have more supervision from law enforcement.

If Iowa doesn't comply with the federal provisions by July, the state could lose up to $450,000 for law enforcement activities.

For some Iowa lawmakers, the federal law offers an opportunity to remove a 2,000-foot rule that bans sex offenders from living near child care centers and schools.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety is drafting new legislation.

The Legislature reconvenes in January.

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