RI seeks to close sex offender loophole

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee has endorsed a bill lawmakers say would close a loophole that allows sex offenders to roam free while awaiting or are challenging classification.

The measure now goes to the full House.

The Providence Journal reports that if passed, it would require those convicted of sexual offenses to wear global positioning devices while their formal classifications are pending.

Those convicted of sex crimes are classified according to the likelihood of re-offending, with Level 3 being the most likely to commit further crimes. That means the public must be notified of where they live.

Under current law, no public notifications can be made while offenders are awaiting classification or are appealing a Level 3 classification.