IA- New sex offender law could present challenge for Shelter House

The definition of loitering gives new meaning to the word "over-broad," potential victims can be found anywhere in the world. Every time lawmakers go behind closed doors, anywhere in the nation, the concoction they come up with defies logic. Today's definition, not applicable to non registered sex offenders who commit the majority of new sex offenses, allows their conduct to continue without question.

6-3-2009 Iowa:

The Iowa City Shelter House could soon be facing another challenge.

On July 1, the same day the Shelter House is scheduled to break ground at the new location at 429 Southgate Ave., Iowa’s new sex offender law will take effect. While a citizen in the neighborhood believes the law means Shelter House will have to alter their operations, Shelter House Executive Director Crissy Canganelli said she is still learning what exactly the law entails.

“We are seeking legal interpretation of the documents,” Canganelli said.

On May 21, Gov. Chet Culver signed into law Senate file 340, which is Iowa’s new sex offender law. The new law, among other things, redefines what is considered loitering and what is considered a residence. Under the new law, loitering is defined as remaining in a place that would make a reasonable person believe the purpose is to allow the sex offender to become familiar with a location where a potential victim could be found.

Residence is also redefined as meaning a location frequented by a sex offender, though not necessarily where they permanently live. Joyce Baker, President of the Waterfront Neighborhood Association, said these changes are significant because the site for the new Shelter House is within the 300 foot exclusionary zone around HACAP daycare.

“I don’t know how they could physically screen those people from coming there,” Baker said, referring to sex offenders. “I don’t know how they could do their job effectively if they built there.”

Canganelli said the Shelter House does not allow sex offenders to stay at the residence, but does allow them to use services.

“Under the current law, they can come in and take a shower, do their laundry,” she said. “We think it’s important to afford those basic living supports.”

However, Canganelli said the Shelter House also serves children and partners with HACAP daycare. She said the notion that Shelter House would do anything to purposely put children in harm’s way is “repulsive” and “incredibly off base.”

Canganelli said the Shelter House will wait on getting clarification on the new law before considering any programming changes. However, Canganelli said the public can be assured that Shelter House will uphold the law, both at their new location and current location.

“If the interpretation of Senate File 340 is that we are not to continue (providing services to sex offenders), we won’t continue to do that,” she said. ..Source.. by Lee Hermiston • Iowa City Press-Citizen