NJ- NJ SUPREME COURT RULING FORCES UPPER TWP., OTHERS, TO CHANGE SEX OFFENDER LAWS

11-10-2009 New Jersey:

by Gregg Browne

UPPER TWP.--- On Monday night the Township Committee voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would have the effect of invalidating an existing 2005 ordinance that regulates where convicted sex offenders can live.

Like well over 100 other municipalities in the state, Upper Twp. did not feel that Megan's Law, introduced in 1994, went far enough to protect local children.

The 2005 ordinance that Upper Twp. enacted, restricted how close, a convicted sex offender, could live to schools, daycare centers, parks and playgrounds.

In May, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Megan's Law adequately protected children from sexual predators, and that local laws went too far, effectively restricting sex offenders right out of many towns and cities, "....the State Supreme Court has determined that the townships and municipalities are not authorized to adopt such ordinances," said Township Solicitor, Daniel Young.

With such local laws now 'invalidated' by the court ruling, most municipalities are striking them from their books to avoid possible future lawsuits.

Upper Township Committee will vote on the ordinance at a scheduled public meeting on December 14th. ..Source..