PA- Proposed law would restrict sex offenders more

9-3-2008 Pennsylvania:

LOWER POTTSGROVE — In the coming month or so, the township is expected to introduce a new ordinance dealing with sex offenders.

At a public meeting Aug. 21, Lower Pottsgrove Commissioner Jonathan Spadt said the ordinance "limits the distances that these offenders can move" within the township.

-Strange wording, wonder what it means? Must reside within xx feet of last residence? OR, cannot move within the township?

The proposed law has not yet been advertised or voted on, but it appears an incident at the High Street McDonald's last year spurred the elected board into action.

William Tarewicz, a local resident, praised a police sergeant's response in that incident. At the meeting, Tarewicz said a convicted sex offender was caught hanging out near the play area at McDonald's.

In Pennsylvania, Megan's Law regulates sex offenders after their release from prison. There are approximately 345 registered sex offenders living in Montgomery County, according to state police. Of that total, five live in Lower Pottsgrove, 42 live in Pottstown and three reside in Limerick.

Depending on the offense, sex offenders must register with Pennsylvania for either a 10-year period or life.

According to state police, public notification can take place in only two instances, in cases where the convicted sex offender is determined by a court to be a "sexually violent predator," or when an out-of-state offender is required to submit to community notification in their state of origin, regardless of whether or not the offender is classified as a sexually violent predator. ..News Source.. by Michael Hays

-Interesting, treating out of state offenders differently than in-state offenders, I believe that is contestable in court. Also, what about offenders who are no longer on parole, and therefor not subject to the laws of their state of origin, now living in Pennsylvania. Can PA enforce a law that is not applicable to offenders? Definitly a question for the courts.