SD- Homeless Sex Offenders Must Register In South Dakota

Given notification of what is required under these laws, I wonder how these former offenders will be notified of this requirement, or will they just be arrested for non compliance?

7-10-2008 South Dakota:

Eight days ago, a new law went into effect in South Dakota that requires homeless and transient sex offenders in the Rushmore State to register. While the idea may sound great on paper, it could be tough to enforce.

"If you didn't have an address you did not need to register," says Democratic Senator Ben Nesselhuf, who co-sponsored the bill that requires the names and locations of homeless sex offenders to be listed on the state-wide registry. It became law July 1st.

"We wanna make it as airtight as possible," he explains.

The bill received bi-partisan support from South Dakota lawmakers.

Senator Jean Hunhoff, a Republican from Yankton adds, "I think it's very important anytime we have sexual predators, people need to know where they're living at so that we can create safe areas for our children."

Even though they don't have a permanent address, homeless sex offenders will still have to register where they sleep, whether it's on a picnic table, bench, or under a tree.

-What happens when they get chased from these areas, and then the police cannot find them which results in another arrest.

While the idea may sound good in theory, is it really enforceable?

North Sioux City Police Chief Jody Frye says, "Well, I wouldn't say it's unenforceable. These are people that are out there. We have no clue where they are."

Frye admits some transients will fall through the cracks.

"If they're on the move all of the time, in that aspect it will be very difficult," he explains.

"I would agree it's difficult to enforce, but at the same time at least it's on the books so that we can enforce it," Hunhoff believes.

Adding to that challenge, sex offenders who stay in one place for less than five days do not have to register their location.

Chief Frye estimates there are six sex offenders living in North Sioux City homes, and another dozen employed there. ..News Source.. by Kristen Johnson