A legislative proposal would prevent local governments from passing residency restrictions for sex offenders.
State Representative Don Friske (R-Merril) says there's a growing concern that some cities may try to keep sex offenders from moving into their communities after prison. He's worried that such ordinances would push those offenders out to rural areas, where a police presence is not as strong and they may have trouble accessing services.
Friske is the author of a bill that would prevent local governments from enacting their own residency restrictions. They would have to follow state laws instead, which requires them to be placed in their county of origin.
The Merril Republican says the placement of sex offenders is a tough topic for many local governments to deal with. He's hoping the proposal will provide clear guidance for them on the issue.
