Proposal to Close Sex Offender Loophole

Providence, R.I. (WPRI) - A group of Rhode Island lawmakers is proposing legislation to keep the most dangerous sex offenders from striking again.

The bill would make it mandatory for all Level III sex offenders to register with their local police departments.  Right now, a loophole in the law allows those who are still appealing their convictions, not to register.

"These are the high-risk offenders," says Senator Walter Felag, who represents Bristol, Warren, and Tiverton. "These are the individuals that are most likely to repeat their crimes, and it's important that people in their neighborhood are notified."

Representative John Loughlin agrees. "Information is power, and to the extent you can empower parents to warn their children about hazards in the neighborhood ... it increases the chance for you to keep your children safe."

Right now, 95 convicted level III sex offenders have registered in Rhode Island.  It's unclear how many more would if the loophole is closed, but Representative Jay Edwards says even if it caused only one more to register, it would be worth it.

"Wouldn't you want to know if that one person was there and they were on appeal, they'd been convicted, or if they had already pled out.  You'd want to know.  You want to protect your children, your family, your neighbors."