What is the Sex Offender Registry?
What is the Sex Offender Registry?
Every state and U.S. territory requires those convicted of sex offenses to be added to a registry to be monitored and tracked after their release back into the community. Information about the offender is collected and shared with local and federal authorities, as well as the general public. Requirements and restrictions are often placed on registered sex offenders. That registration process is unique in each state and U.S. territory.
What is SORNA?
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was passed in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act to provide federal standards for jurisdictions to follow. SORNA calls for states and U.S. territories to meet minimum requirements for sex offender registration and notification.
Why Are the Requirements for Sex Offender Registration Different Everywhere?
While SORNA’s guidelines streamlined registration and notification requirements across the country, these requirements are far from uniform. Each jurisdiction determines the details of their own registration process. This leaves a patchwork of rules for sex offenders that vary widely depending on where a registrant lives or works.
Where PIN Comes In
Probation Information Network developed a list of questions regarding the sex offender registration requirements across the country. These are questions that might concern the public, victims and their advocates, or those who are facing registration or are currently registered and their loved ones. We then searched the statutes or code of each jurisdiction for the laws surrounding sex offender registration and notification. Where necessary, we consulted with the law enforcement agency in charge of the jurisdiction’s registry to provide clear and concise answers to the following questions:
- What is the duration of registration?
How long must a sex offender remain on the registry? The length of time a sex offender must comply with registration requirements varies widely depending on the jurisdiction where the registrant lives, and the level of the offense committed. All but 2 jurisdictions offer a path for eventual removal from the registry for at least some of their registrants.
- Must the immediate community be notified directly, either by the offender or law enforcement?
Every jurisdiction has passive community notification in the form of a public sex offender registry website. Concerned citizens are free to search the website and can sign up for email notifications if a sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Some jurisdictions go even further and require active notification, where either law enforcement or the offender themselves is required to directly notify the immediate community that a sex offender is in the area. This can take many forms, including electronic, mail, or in-person notification, publication in local newspapers, and community meetings.
- What are the residence distance restrictions?
Are there any restrictions on where a registered sex offender can live? Some jurisdictions restrict registrants from living within a measured distance of certain places. This restriction could be for all registrants, or only for higher-level offenders or those under supervision. Some jurisdictions do not have a state-wide restriction but do allow local jurisdictions to enact their own.
- What are the employment distance restrictions?
Registered sex offenders are usually restricted from certain types of employment, and from working at establishments that specifically cater to minors. Some jurisdictions go even further and restrict registrants from working within a measured distance of certain places.
- Is an employer’s information included on the public registry?
Returning citizens of every type need to find employment upon reentry, and sex offenders are no exception. Some jurisdictions include registrants’ employment information on the public registry website. This could be the employer’s address or in some cases the name of the employer.
- Are online identifiers included on the public registry?
Some jurisdictions require registered sex offenders to report any identifiers they use online, such as email addresses and social media user names. In some jurisdictions that information is included on the public registry website, separate from the registrant’s profile, in a feature that allows the public to search by specific identifiers.
- Is a state-issued ID required to be labeled?
Some jurisdictions require a state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, to be labeled to identify the holder as a registered sex offender. This label could be the words “Sex Offender” printed on the ID in a prominent place or a more subtle designation known to law enforcement.
- What is the cost of registration?
Is there a fee to register as a sex offender? Some jurisdictions pass on some of their administrative costs to the registrants. This could be a one-time fee paid only upon initial registration, or an ongoing fee paid annually or quarterly. Some jurisdictions charge a fee every time a registrant updates their information.
- How long can a registrant be in the state for work or education before registration is required?
Does a sex offender have to register if they work or go to school in a different state? It depends on the state, and how long the registrant will be there. Some jurisdictions require registrants to notify authorities immediately, while others allow limited stays without requiring registration. Registrants currently under supervision usually need permission from their Parole or Probation Officer before traveling and should always consult their supervising officer.
- How long can a registrant visit the state before registration is required?
Can a registered sex offender go on vacation? Does a sex offender have to register if they visit a different state? It depends on the state, and how long the registrant will be there. Some jurisdictions require registrants to notify authorities immediately, while others allow limited stays without requiring registration. Registrants currently under supervision usually need permission from their Parole or Probation Officer before traveling and should always consult their supervising officer.
The answers provided are taken directly from the laws found on the state or territory’s legislative website or, where necessary, from the website of the law enforcement agency in charge of the jurisdiction’s registry. In some cases, we contacted state or territory officials for clarification and have directly quoted those conversations.
Disclaimer
While we stand by our research, it is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice and, while we strive to provide accurate and up to date information, it is not guaranteed to be complete or correct. We provide links to each jurisdiction’s legislative and law enforcement websites and maintain a directory of lawyers who specialize in sex offender registration laws. For those currently under supervision, consult with your Parole or Probation Officer for guidance.
What are the residence distance restrictions?
Are there any restrictions on where a registered sex offender can live? Some jurisdictions restrict registrants from living within a measured distance of certain places. This restriction could be for all registrants, or only for higher-level offenders or those under supervision. Some jurisdictions do not have a state-wide restriction but do allow local jurisdictions to enact their own.
42 states and territories enforce a residence distance restriction, either statewide or in certain localities, or for certain offenders.
This comparison chart is intended to be a quick reference guide to compare the sex offender registry requirements across jurisdictions. It does not provide enough details for a full and accurate picture and should not be used by itself, but rather as a tool alongside the full-text versions.
| State | What are the residence distance restrictions? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,000 feet: school, childcare, resident camp |
| Alaska | None |
| Arizona | 1,000 feet: school, childcare |
| Arkansas | Level 3/4 - 2,000 feet: school, public park, youth center, daycare; Level 4 - church |
| California | Probation or parole conditions may include 2,000 feet: school, park |
| Colorado | No statewide laws but some local laws exist |
| Connecticut | Probation or parole must approve location |
| Delaware | 500 feet: school |
| Florida | 1,000 feet: school, childcare, park, playground |
| Georgia | 1,000 feet: childcare, church, school, area where minors congregate |
| Hawaii | Terms of supervision may have restrictions |
| Idaho | 500 feet: school, daycare |
| Illinois | 500 feet: school, playground, childcare |
| Indiana | 1,000 feet: school, youth center, public park, day care |
| Iowa | Certain offenders - 2,000 feet: school, childcare |
| Kansas | None |
| Kentucky | 1,000 feet: school, playground, day care |
| Louisiana | Depending on offense, could include 1,000 feet: school, early learning center, in-home childcare, residential home, public park, recreational facility, playground, youth center, public pool, arcade |
| Maine | No statewide laws but some local laws exist |
| Maryland | None |
| Massachusetts | None |
| Michigan | None |
| Minnesota | No statewide laws but some local laws exist; terms of supervision may have restrictions |
| Mississippi | 3,000 feet: school, childcare, playground, ballpark, recreational facility used by minors |
| Missouri | 1,000 feet: school, childcare |
| Montana | 300 feet: school, day care, playground, park, athletic field or facility or business that primarily serves minors |
| Nebraska | No statewide laws but cities may enact for sexual predators 500 feet: school, day care |
| Nevada | Tier 3 offenders under state supervision - 1000 feet: school, school bus stop, day care, arcade, amusement park, playground, park, facility for youth sports, movie theater |
| New Hampshire | None |
| New Jersey | None |
| New Mexico | None |
| New York | Probation or parole may include 1,000 feet: school, childcare |
| North Carolina | 1,000 feet: school, childcare |
| North Dakota | High-risk offenders only - 500 feet: school |
| Ohio | Depending on date of conviction - 1,000 feet: school, childcare |
| Oklahoma | 2,000 feet: school, educational institution, property or campsite used by an org. whose primary purpose is working with children, playground or park, childcare |
| Oregon | Terms of supervision may have restrictions |
| Pennsylvania | Terms of supervision may have restrictions |
| Rhode Island | 300 feet: school |
| South Carolina | 1,000 feet: school, daycare, children's recreational facility, park, public playground |
| South Dakota | 500 feet: school, public park, public playground, public pool |
| Tennessee | 1,000 feet: school, childcare, public park, playground, recreation center, public athletic field |
| Texas | No statewide laws but some local laws exist; terms of supervision may have restrictions; may not reside on campus of higher education institution |
| Utah | None |
| Vermont | None |
| Virginia | Depending on date of conviction - 500 feet: childcare, school, public park adjacent to and regularly used by a school |
| Washington | Terms of supervision may have restrictions |
| West Virginia | None |
| Wisconsin | No statewide laws but some local laws exist |
| Wyoming | 1,000 feet: school |
| Washington DC | None |
| Guam | Probation or parole must approve location; some local laws exist |
| NMI | Tier 2/3 offenders - 1,000 feet: playground, school, school bus stop, community center, other location specifically for and commonly used by minors |
| Puerto Rico | 500 feet: school, childcare |
| US Virgin Islands | None |
Alabama
AL Code §15-20A-11
(a) No adult sex offender shall establish a residence or maintain a residence after release or conviction within 2,000 feet of the property on which any school, childcare facility, or resident camp facility is located unless otherwise exempted pursuant to Sections 15-20A-23 and 15-20A-24. For the purposes of this section, a resident camp facility includes any place, area, parcel, or tract of land which contains permanent or semi-permanent facilities for sleeping owned by a business, church, or nonprofit organization used primarily for educational, recreational, or religious purposes for minors and the location of the resident camp has been provided to local law enforcement. Resident camp does not include a private residence, farm, or hunting or fishing camp.
(b) No adult sex offender shall establish a residence or maintain a residence after release or conviction within 2,000 feet of the property on which his or her former victim, or an immediate family member of the victim, resides unless otherwise exempted pursuant to Section 15-20A-24 or Section 15-20A-16.
(c) Changes to property within 2,000 feet of a registered address of an adult sex offender which occur after the adult sex offender establishes residency shall not form the basis for finding that the adult sex offender is in violation of this section unless the sex offender has been released or convicted of a new offense after establishing residency.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the 2,000-foot measurement shall be taken in a straight line from nearest property line to nearest property line.
Alaska
None.
Arizona
A.R.S. § 13-3727.
A. It is unlawful for a person who has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children as defined in section 13-705, or who has been convicted of an offense committed in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be a dangerous crime against children as defined in section 13-705, and who is required to register pursuant to section 13-3821 to:
1. If the person is classified as a level three offender pursuant to section 13-3825, reside within one thousand feet of the real property comprising any of the following:
(a) A private school, as defined in section 15-101, or a public school that provides instruction in kindergarten programs and any combination of kindergarten programs and grades one through eight.
(b) A private school, as defined in section 15-101, or a public school that provides instruction in any combination of grades nine through twelve.
(c) A child care facility as defined in section 36-881.
2. Knowingly establish a residence and reside within one thousand feet of the real property on which the person’s former victim resides.
3. Establish a residence and reside within one thousand feet of the real property on which the person’s former victim resides.
B. Subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section does not apply to any of the following:
1. A person who establishes the person’s residence before September 19, 2007 or before a new school or child care facility is located.
2. A person who is a minor.
3. A person who is currently serving a term of probation.
4. A person who has had the person’s civil rights restored pursuant to chapter 9 of this title.
5. A person who has not been convicted of a subsequent offense in the previous ten years, excluding any time the person was incarcerated in any federal, state, county or local jail or prison facility.
C. Subsection A, paragraphs 2 and 3 of this section do not apply to:
1. A person who is required to register pursuant to section 13-3821, subsection A, paragraph 19.
2. A person who receives written consent to establish the residence from the victim or, if the victim is a minor, from the parent or guardian of the minor unless the parent or guardian of the minor is the person who was convicted.
D. It is a defense to a prosecution for a violation of subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section if the person established the residence without knowledge that the victim resided within one thousand feet, the person moved within thirty days after receiving actual knowledge of the victim’s residence and the person did not have contact with the victim during that thirty-day period.
E. Notwithstanding any other law and as a matter of statewide concern, a county, city or town shall not enact an ordinance that provides for distance restrictions greater than those found in this section.
F. For the purposes of this section, measurements shall be made in a straight line in all directions, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of a parcel containing the person’s residence to the nearest point on the property line of a parcel containing a child care facility or a school or on which the person’s former victim resides.
G. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, except that a person who commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection A, paragraph 2 or 3 of this section is guilty of a class 6 felony.
Arkansas
AR Code § 5-14-128
(a) A sex offender who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997, § 12-12-901 et seq., and who has been assessed as a:
(1) Level 3 or Level 4 offender may not knowingly reside within two thousand feet (2,000′) of the property on which a public or private elementary or secondary school, public park, youth center, or daycare facility is located; or
(2) Level 4 offender may not knowingly reside within two thousand feet (2,000′) of a church or other place of worship.
(b)
(1) It is not a violation of this section if the property on which the sex offender resides is owned and occupied by the sex offender and was purchased prior to the date on which the public or private elementary or secondary school, public park, youth center, daycare facility, or church or other place of worship was established.
(2) The exclusion in subdivision (b)(1) of this section does not apply to a sex offender who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of another sex offense after the public or private elementary or secondary school, public park, youth center, daycare facility, or church or other place of worship is established.
(c)
(1)
(A) With respect to a public or private elementary or secondary school or a daycare facility, it is not a violation of this section if the sex offender resides on property he or she owns prior to July 16, 2003.
(B) With respect to a public park or youth center, it is not a violation of this section if the sex offender resides on property he or she owns prior to July 31, 2007.
(2)
(A) The exclusion in subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section does not apply to a sex offender who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of another sex offense after July 16, 2003.
(B) The exclusion in subdivision (c)(1)(B) of this section does not apply to a sex offender who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of another sex offense on or after July 31, 2007.
(3) With respect to a church or other place of worship, it is not a violation of this section if the sex offender resides on property he or she owns prior to July 22, 2015.
(f) As used in this section:
(3) “Youth center” means any building, structure, or facility owned or operated by a not-for-profit organization or by this state or a county, city, or town in this state for use by minors to promote the health, safety, or general welfare of the minors.
California
Penal Code section 3003.5(b), the law enacted by ballot initiative in 2006 prohibiting registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park, was held unconstitutional in 2015. The California Supreme Court found that when there was insufficient affordable housing for registrants, the law had the opposite effect on public safety intended by creating a homeless population of transient sex offenders. CDCR now applies the residency restriction to parolees only on a case by case basis. In 2016, an appellate court ruled that the residency restriction does not apply to registrants on probation as a blanket restriction. The California Supreme Court had earlier ruled this law applied only to persons who were released from custody after November 7, 2006, rather than basing retroactivity on when the registrant gained a residence within the 2000 foot zone. Today, the restriction only applies if it is imposed as a probation or parole condition, based on an individual offender’s record.
– Office of the Attorney General, California Department of Justice
Colorado
While there are no statewide laws, some local laws exist on the city or county level.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not impose a blanket residency restriction on sex offenders. However, while under community supervision (i.e. probation or parole), registered sex offenders must reside in locations pre-approved by probation and parole officers. Courts can also set conditions when sentencing an offender.
– Connecticut Office of Legislative Research
Delaware
11 DE Code § 1112
(a) Any person who is a sexual offender and who:
(1) Resides on or within 500 feet of the property of any school shall be guilty of a class G felony.
Florida
FL Stat § 775.215
(2)(a) A person who has been convicted of a violation of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, regardless of whether adjudication has been withheld, in which the victim of the offense was less than 16 years of age, may not reside within 1,000 feet of any school, child care facility, park, or playground. However, a person does not violate this subsection and may not be forced to relocate if he or she is living in a residence that meets the requirements of this subsection and a school, child care facility, park, or playground is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of his or her residence.
(c) This subsection applies to any person convicted of a violation of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145 for offenses that occur on or after October 1, 2004, excluding persons who have been removed from the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator pursuant to s. 943.04354.
(3)(a) A person who has been convicted of an offense in another jurisdiction that is similar to a violation of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, regardless of whether adjudication has been withheld, in which the victim of the offense was less than 16 years of age, may not reside within 1,000 feet of any school, child care facility, park, or playground. However, a person does not violate this subsection and may not be forced to relocate if he or she is living in a residence that meets the requirements of this subsection and a school, child care facility, park, or playground is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of his or her residence.
(c) This subsection applies to any person convicted of an offense in another jurisdiction that is similar to a violation of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145 if such offense occurred on or after May 26, 2010, excluding persons who have been removed from the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator pursuant to s. 943.04354.
Georgia
GA Code § 42-1-12
(a) As used in this article, the term:
(3) “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, school bus stops, public libraries, and public and community swimming pools.
GA Code § 42-1-15
(b) On and after July 1, 2008, no individual shall reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
-Or-
GA Code § 42-1-16
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, school bus stops, and public and community swimming pools.
(b) Any individual who committed an act between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008, for which such individual is required to register shall not reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
-Or-
GA Code § 42-1-17
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, and similar facilities providing programs or services directed towards persons under 18 years of age.
(b) Any individual who committed an act between June 4, 2003, and June 30, 2006, for which such individual is required to register shall not reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
Hawaii
Chapter 846E, HRS, does not restrict where a registered covered offender may reside or work. However, certain covered offenders, still under supervision, may have restrictions in their Terms and Conditions of supervision. For example, a judge may order that a registered covered offender may not contact or attempt to contact, directly or indirectly, any minor child, or reside in the same residence with minor children, without permission from the supervision officer. Restrictions may also arise in other circumstances as well.
– Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Idaho
ID Code § 18-8329
(1) If a person is currently registered or is required to register under the sex offender registration act as provided in chapter 83, title 18, Idaho Code, it is a misdemeanor for such person to:
(d) Reside within five hundred (500) feet of the property on which a school or daycare is located, measured from the nearest point of the exterior wall of the offender’s dwelling unit to the school’s or daycare’s property line, provided however, that this paragraph shall not apply if such person’s residence was established prior to July 1, 2006, for a school, and prior to July 1, 2020, for a daycare in existence on that date. This paragraph shall not apply to such person whose residence is established prior to the establishment of a daycare within five hundred (500) feet of his dwelling unit.
Illinois
720ILCS 5/11-9.3
(b-5) It is unlawful for a child sex offender to knowingly reside within 500 feet of a school building or the real property comprising any school that persons under the age of 18 attend. Nothing in this subsection (b-5) prohibits a child sex offender from residing within 500 feet of a school building or the real property comprising any school that persons under 18 attend if the property is owned by the child sex offender and was purchased before July 7, 2000 (the effective date of Public Act 91-911).
(b-10) It is unlawful for a child sex offender to knowingly reside within 500 feet of a playground, child care institution, day care center, part day child care facility, day care home, group day care home, or a facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under 18 years of age. Nothing in this subsection (b-10) prohibits a child sex offender from residing within 500 feet of a playground or a facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under 18 years of age if the property is owned by the child sex offender and was purchased before July 7, 2000. Nothing in this subsection (b-10) prohibits a child sex offender from residing within 500 feet of a child care institution, day care center, or part day child care facility if the property is owned by the child sex offender and was purchased before June 26, 2006. Nothing in this subsection (b-10) prohibits a child sex offender from residing within 500 feet of a day care home or group day care home if the property is owned by the child sex offender and was purchased before August 14, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-821).
Indiana
IC 35-42-4-11
(b) As used in this section, “reside” means to spend more than three (3) nights in:
(1) a residence; or
(2) if the person does not reside in a residence, a particular location;
in any thirty (30) day period.
(c) An offender against children who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) resides within one thousand (1,000) feet of:
(A) school property, not including property of an institution providing post-secondary education;
(B) a youth program center;
(C) a public park; or
(D) a day care center licensed under IC 12-17.2;
(2) establishes a residence within one (1) mile of the residence of the victim of the offender’s sex offense; or
(3) resides in a residence where a child care provider (as defined by IC 31-33-26-1) provides child care services;
commits a sex offender residency offense, a Level 6 felony.
Iowa
The residency restriction applies ONLY to the three (3) Iowa statutes listed in the definition of “aggravated offense against a minor”, or an offense from another jurisdiction (meaning any state, U.S. territory, or federally recognized Indian Tribal Nation) that is comparable to one of those three Iowa offenses. Offenders convicted for any other offense, regardless of whether the victim was a minor, are exempt from the residency restriction.
– Iowa Department of Public Safety
IA Code § 692A.101
2.a. “Aggravated offense against a minor” means a conviction for any of the following offenses, if such offense was committed against a minor, or otherwise involves a minor:
(1) Sexual abuse in the first degree in violation of section 709.2.
(2) Sexual abuse in the second degree in violation of section 709.3.
(3) Sexual abuse in the third degree in violation of section 709.4, except for a violation of section 709.4, subsection 1, paragraph “b”, subparagraph (2), subparagraph division (d).
(4) Continuous sexual abuse of a child in violation of section 709.23.
IA Code § 692A.114
1. As used in this section:
a. “Minor” means a person who is under eighteen years of age or who is enrolled in a secondary school.
b. “School” means a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school.
c. “Sex offender” means a person required to be registered under this chapter who has been convicted of an aggravated offense against a minor.
2. A sex offender shall not reside within two thousand feet of the real property comprising a school or a child care facility.
3. A sex offender residing within two thousand feet of the real property comprising a school or a child care facility does not commit a violation of this section if any of the following apply:
c. The sex offender has established a residence prior to July 1, 2002.
d. The sex offender has established a residence prior to any newly located school or child care facility being established.
Kansas
None.
K.S.A. 22-4913
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), on and after June 1, 2006, cities and counties shall be prohibited from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, resolution or regulation establishing residential restrictions for offenders as defined by K.S.A. 22-4902, and amendments thereto.
Kentucky
KRS 17.545
(1) No registrant, as defined in KRS 17.500, shall reside within one thousand (1,000) feet of a high school, middle school, elementary school, preschool, publicly owned or leased playground, or licensed day care facility. The measurement shall be taken in a straight line from the nearest property line to the nearest property line of the registrant’s place of residence.
(3) For purposes of this section:
(a) The registrant shall have the duty to ascertain whether any property listed in subsection (1) of this section is within one thousand (1,000) feet of the registrant’s residence; and
(b) If a new facility opens, the registrant shall be presumed to know and, within ninety (90) days, shall comply with this section.
(7) The prohibition against a registrant:
(a) Residing within one thousand (1,000) feet of a publicly leased playground as outlined in subsection (1) of this section;
shall not operate retroactively.
Louisiana
LA Rev Stat § 14:91.2
A. The following acts when committed by a person convicted of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 when the victim is under the age of thirteen years shall constitute the crime of unlawful residence or presence of a sex offender:
(2) The offender establishing a residence within one thousand feet of any of the following:
(a) Public or private elementary or secondary school.
(b) Early learning center as defined by R.S. 17:407.33.
(c) Residence in which child care services are provided by a family child care provider or in-home provider who is registered pursuant to R.S. 17:407.61 et seq.
(d) Residential home as defined by R.S. 46:1403.
(4) The offender establishing a residence within one thousand feet of any public park or recreational facility.
B. The following acts, when committed by a person convicted of an aggravated offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 when the victim is under the age of thirteen years, shall constitute the crime of unlawful residence or presence of a sex offender:
(2) The establishment of a residence within one thousand feet of any of the following:
(a) Early learning center as defined by R.S. 17:407.33.
(b) Residence in which child care services are provided by a family child care provider or in-home provider who is registered pursuant to R.S. 17:407.61 et seq.
(c) Residential home as defined by R.S. 46:1403.
(d) Playground.
(e) Public or private youth center.
(f) Public swimming pool.
(g) Free standing video arcade facility.
Maine
Pre-2013 applies to a person sentenced prior to January 1, 2013.
Post-2013 applies to a person who commits criminal conduct and is sentenced on or after January 1, 2013.
Pre- and Post-2013
Maine’s registration laws do not include any restrictions on where a person may live.
If a person’s sentence includes probation or supervised release, there may be special conditions regarding where that person is permitted to live, work, or travel. This may be true whether or not the person is required to register.
Some towns have enacted ordinances limiting where convicted sex offenders may live. These ordinances only apply within the towns that have adopted them, and can only apply to persons convicted of serious crimes (Class A, B or C) against children under 14. You can contact the town office to ask whether a particular town has adopted such ordinances.
– Department of Public Safety, Maine State Police
Maryland
None.
Massachusetts
None.
Michigan
None.
Act No. 295, Public Acts of 2020, repealed these restrictions effective March 24, 2021.
Minnesota
There are no provisions in M.S. § 243.166, Minnesota’s registration law, which prohibit registered offenders from living in the vicinity of a school or daycare.
Restricting a registrant’s residency can be a condition of the registrant’s probation or parole; however, if the person is no longer on probation or parole, those restrictions are no longer effective. Inquiries regarding a registrant’s residency restrictions should be directed to the registrant’s probation or parole officer.
While there is not a State law regarding residency restrictions for registered offenders, some cites have passed local ordinances. Citizens with questions regarding their local ordinances should contact their local City Hall or Police Department.
– Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
MN Stat § 244.052
- (k) If the committee assigns a predatory offender to risk level III, the committee shall determine whether residency restrictions shall be included in the conditions of the offender’s release based on the offender’s pattern of offending behavior.
Mississippi
Miss. Code Ann. § 45-33-25
(4) (a) A person required to register under this chapter shall not reside within three thousand (3,000) feet of the real property comprising a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school, a child care facility, a residential child-caring agency, a children’s group care home or any playground, ballpark or other recreational facility utilized by persons under the age of eighteen (18) years.
(b) A person residing within three thousand (3,000) feet of the real property comprising a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school or a child care facility does not commit a violation of this subsection if any of the following apply:
(i) The person is serving a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility or other correctional institution or facility.
(ii) The person is subject to an order of commitment under Title 41, Mississippi Code of 1972.
(iii) The person established the subject residence before July 1, 2006.
(iv) The school or child care facility is established within three thousand (3,000) feet of the person’s residence subsequent to the date the person established residency.
(v) The person established the subject residence between July 1, 2006, and January 1, 2014, in a location at least one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from the school or child care facility.
(vi) The person is a minor or a ward under a guardianship.
(c) A person residing within three thousand (3,000) feet of the real property comprising a residential child-caring agency, a children’s group care home or any playground, ballpark or other recreational facility utilized by persons under the age of eighteen (18) years does not commit a violation of this subsection if any of the following apply:
(i) The person established the subject residence before July 1, 2008.
(ii) The residential child-caring agency, children’s group care home, playground, ballpark or other recreational facility utilized by persons under the age of eighteen (18) years is established within three thousand (3,000) feet of the person’s residence subsequent to the date the person established residency.
(iii) The person established the subject residence between July 1, 2008, and January 1, 2014, in a location at least one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from the residential child-caring agency, children’s group care home, playground, ballpark or other recreational facility utilized by persons under the age of eighteen (18) years.
(iv) Any of the conditions described in subsection (4)(b)(i), (ii) or (vi) exist.
Missouri
MO Rev Stat § 566.147.
1. Any person who, since July 1, 1979, has been or hereafter has been found guilty of:
(1) Violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of section 568.020, incest; section 568.045, endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree; subsection 2 of section 568.080 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or section 573.200, use of a child in a sexual performance; section 568.090 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or section 573.205, promoting a sexual performance by a child; section 573.023, sexual exploitation of a minor; section 573.025, promoting child pornography in the first degree; section 573.035, promoting child pornography in the second degree; section 573.037, possession of child pornography, or section 573.040, furnishing pornographic material to minors; or
(2) Any offense in any other jurisdiction which, if committed in this state, would be a violation listed in this section;
shall not reside within one thousand feet of any public school as defined in section 160.011, any private school giving instruction in a grade or grades not higher than the twelfth grade, or any child care facility that is licensed under chapter 210, or any child care facility as defined in section 210.201 that is exempt from state licensure but subject to state regulation under section 210.252 and holds itself out to be a child care facility, where the school or facility is in existence at the time the individual begins to reside at the location. Such person shall also not reside within one thousand feet of the property line of the residence of a former victim of such person.
2. If such person has already established a residence and a public school, a private school, or child care facility is subsequently built or placed within one thousand feet of such person’s residence, or a former victim subsequently resides on property with a property line within one thousand feet of such person’s residence, then such person shall, within one week of the opening of such public school, private school, or child care facility, or the former victim residing on the property, notify the county sheriff where such public school, private school, child care facility, or residence of a former victim is located that he or she is now residing within one thousand feet of such public school, private school, child care facility, or property line of the residence of a former victim, and shall provide verifiable proof to the sheriff that he or she resided there prior to the opening of such public school, private school, or child care facility, or the former victim residing on the property.
3. For purposes of this section, “resides” means sleeps in a residence, which may include more than one location and may be mobile or transitory, but shall not include transitory or longer term presence in facilities licensed under chapters 197 and 198 for purposes of receiving care, treatment, or services from such licensed facility.
4. For the purposes of the section, one thousand feet shall be measured from the edge of the offender’s property nearest the public school, private school, child care facility, or former victim to the nearest edge of the public school, private school, child care facility, or former victim’s property.
Montana
MT Code § 45-5-513
(1) A high-risk sexual offender as provided in this section may not:
(a) establish a residence within 300 feet of a school, day-care center, playground, developed or improved park, athletic field or facility that primarily serves minors, or business or facility having a principal purpose of caring for, educating, or entertaining minors. This subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the residence was established on or before May 5, 2015.
MT Code § 46-18-255
(1) A judge sentencing a person convicted of a sexual or violent offense shall, as a condition to probation, parole, or deferment or suspension of sentence, impose on the defendant reasonable employment or occupational prohibitions and restrictions designed to protect the class or classes of persons containing the likely victims of further offenses by the defendant.
(2) In addition to any restriction on employment imposed under subsection (1), a judge sentencing a person convicted of a sexual offense involving a minor and designated as a level 3 offender under 46-23-509 shall, as a condition to probation, parole, or deferment or suspension of sentence, impose on the defendant restrictions on the defendant’s residency in the proximity of a private or public elementary or high school, preschool as defined in 20-5-402, licensed day-care center, church, or park maintained by a city, town, or county.
(4) Restrictions imposed pursuant to this section must be compatible with the restrictions provided for in 45-5-513.
Nebraska
Nebraska legislation simply enacted guidelines in July 2006 for those cities who wish to adopt a living restriction ordinance. It is not a state-wide law. Therefore, it only applies to those cities or designated entities that pass such an ordinance which only applies to schools and day cares; furthermore, it will be up to the local agencies to enforce the restrictions if adopted. The city ordinance only applies to sexual predators that moved to the reported address after July 2006. Sexual predator means an individual who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration act, who has committed an aggravated offense and who has victimized a person eighteen years of age or younger. The Nebraska State Patrol does not track which cities choose to enact or enforce the ordinance. Please contact the local city office, police department or sheriff’s office of the city in question.
– Nebraska State Patrol
NE Code § 29-4017.
(1) A political subdivision may enact an ordinance, resolution, or other legal restriction prescribing where sex offenders may reside only if the restrictions are limited to sexual predators, extend no more than five hundred feet from a school or child care facility, and meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.
(2) An ordinance, resolution, or other legal restriction enacted by a political subdivision shall not apply to a sexual predator who:
(a) Resides within a prison or a correctional or treatment facility operated by the state or a political subdivision;
(b) Established a residence before July 1, 2006, and has not moved from that residence; or
(c) Established a residence after July 1, 2006, and the school or child care facility triggering the restriction was established after the initial date of the sexual predator’s residence at that location.
(3) Any ordinance, resolution, or other legal restriction prescribing where sex offenders may reside which does not meet the requirements of this section is void, regardless of whether such ordinance, resolution, or legal restriction was adopted prior to, on, or after July 14, 2006.
Nevada
The registration statutes do not restrict residence location, however for those under Nevada state supervision the following may apply:
NRS 176A.410
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, if a defendant is convicted of an offense listed in subsection 6 of NRS 213.1255 against a child under the age of 14 years, the defendant is a Tier III offender and the court grants probation or suspends the sentence of the defendant, the court shall, in addition to any other condition ordered pursuant to subsection 1, order as a condition of probation or suspension of sentence that the defendant:
(a) Reside at a location only if the residence is not located within 1,000 feet of any place, or if the place is a structure, within 1,000 feet of the actual structure, that is designed primarily for use by or for children, including, without limitation, a public or private school, a school bus stop, a center or facility that provides day care services, a video arcade, an amusement park, a playground, a park, an athletic field or a facility for youth sports, or a motion picture theater.
New Hampshire
None.
New Jersey
None.
New Mexico
None.
New York
The Sex Offender Registration Act does not restrict where a registered sex offender may live.
However, if the offender is under parole or probation supervision, other New York State laws may limit the offender from living within 1,000 feet of a school or other facility caring for children.
– New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
North Carolina
NC Gen Stat § 14-208.16
(a) A registrant under this Article shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This subsection applies to any registrant who did not establish his or her residence, in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, prior to August 16, 2006.
(b) As used in this section, “school” does not include home schools as defined in G.S. 115C-563 or institutions of higher education; however, for the purposes of this section, the term “school” shall include any construction project designated for use as a public school if the governing body has notified the sheriff or sheriffs with jurisdiction within 1,000 feet of the construction project of the construction of the public school. The term “child care center” is defined by G.S. 110-86(3); however, for purposes of this section, the term “child care center” does include the permanent locations of organized clubs of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The term “registrant” means a person who is registered, or is required to register, under this Article.
(c) This section does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of the property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed.
(d) Changes in the ownership of or use of property within 1,000 feet of a registrant’s registered address that occur after a registrant establishes residency at the registered address shall not form the basis for finding that an offender is in violation of this section. For purposes of this subsection, a residence is established when the registrant does any of the following:
(1) Purchases the residence or enters into a specifically enforceable contract to purchase the residence.
(2) Enters into a written lease contract for the residence and for as long as the person is lawfully entitled to remain on the premises.
(3) Resides with an immediate family member who established residence in accordance with this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, “immediate family member” means a child or sibling who is 18 years of age or older, or a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or spouse of the registrant.
These residency restrictions do not apply to an offender who established residency at the registered address prior to August 16, 2006 [2013 S.L. 28]. Residency restrictions surrounding the Boys and Girls Clubs of America does not apply to a person who established residence prior to June 19, 2014 [2014 S.L. 21].
– North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association
North Dakota
N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-15
13. An individual assessed as a high-risk sexual offender in accordance with subsection 12, may not reside within five hundred feet [152.4 meters] of a public or nonpublic preschool or elementary, middle, or high school.
Ohio
Under 2950.034(A), an offender convicted on or after July 1, 2007, is not permitted to reside within 1,000 feet of any school, preschool, or child day care center. An offender convicted between July 31, 2003, and July 1, 2007, cannot reside within 1,000 feet of any school premises. An offender convicted before July 31, 2003 is not restricted from living near a school or day care.
– Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
ORC § 2950.034
(A) No person who has been convicted of, is convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or pleads guilty to a sexually oriented offense or a child-victim oriented offense shall establish a residence or occupy residential premises within one thousand feet of any school premises or preschool or child day-care center premises.
Oklahoma
57 OK Stat § 57-590
A. It is unlawful for any person registered pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registration Act to reside, either temporarily or permanently, within a two-thousand-foot radius of any public or private school site, educational institution, property or campsite used by an organization whose primary purpose is working with children, a playground or park that is established, operated or supported in whole or in part by a homeowners’ association or a city, town, county, state, federal or tribal government, a licensed child care center or family child care home as defined in the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act or the residence of his or her victim. Establishment of a licensed child care center, family child care home or park in the vicinity of the residence of a registered sex offender will not require the relocation of the sex offender or the sale of the property. On June 7, 2006, the distance indicated in this section shall be measured from the nearest property line of the residence of the person to the nearest property line of the public or private school site, educational institution, property or campsite used by an organization whose primary purpose is working with children, playground, park, licensed child care center, family child care home or residence of his or her victim; provided, any nonprofit organization established and housing sex offenders prior to the effective date of this provision shall be allowed to continue its operation.
Nothing in this provision shall require any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any real estate or home acquired or owned prior to the conviction of the person as a sex offender.
Oregon
Oregon does not impose a blanket residency restriction on sex offenders. However, registrants released on post-prison supervision or parole may have restrictions [ORS § 144.642].
Pennsylvania
Post 12/20/12 applies to those whose offense was committed on or after December 20, 2012.
Pre 12/20/12 applies to those whose offense was committed before December 20, 2012.
Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law does not restrict where a sexual offender or Sexually Violent Predator/Sexual Violent Delinquent Child may reside. However, an offender may be restricted from residing near a school, park, daycare center, etc. under one of the following circumstances:
- The sexual offender or Sexually Violent Predator/Sexual Violent Delinquent Child is under the supervision of a federal, state, or county department of probation or parole and there are specific restrictions designating where the sexual offender or sexually violent predators may reside.
- The sexual offender or Sexually Violent Predator/Sexual Violent Delinquent Child is under specific court ordered restrictions designating where the offender may reside or who the offender may have contact with.
– Pennsylvania State Police
Rhode Island
RI Gen L § 11-37.1-10
(c) Except in the case of a level-three (3) sex offender, any person who is required to register or verify his or her address, who knowingly resides within three hundred feet (300′) of any school as defined in § 11-37.1-2, which distance shall be measured from the nearest boundary line of the real property supporting the residence of the person to the nearest boundary line of the real property that supports or upon which there exists a school shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, may be imprisoned not more than five (5) years, or fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
(d) Any level-three (3) sex offender who knowingly resides within one thousand feet (1,000′) of any school as defined in § 11-37.1-2, which distance shall be measured from the nearest boundary line of the real property supporting the residence of the person to the nearest boundary line of the real property that supports or upon which there exists a school shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, may be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years, or fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
South Carolina
SC Code § 23-3-535
(A) As contained in this section:
(4) “Within one thousand feet” means a measurement made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest portion of the property on which the sex offender resides to the nearest property line of the premises of a school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground, whichever is closer.
(B) It is unlawful for a sex offender who has been convicted of any of the following offenses to reside within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground:
(1) criminal sexual conduct with a minor, first degree;
(2) criminal sexual conduct with a minor, second degree;
(3) assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct with a minor;
(4) kidnapping a person under eighteen years of age; or
(5) trafficking in persons of a person under eighteen years of age except when the court makes a finding on the record that the offense did not include a criminal sexual offense or an attempted criminal sexual offense.
(C) This section does not apply to a sex offender who:
(1) resided within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground before the effective date of this act;
(2) resided within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground on property the sex offender owned before the sex offender was charged with any of the offenses enumerated in subsection (B);
(3) resides within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground as a result of the establishment of a new school, daycare center, children’s recreational facility, park, or public playground;
South Dakota
22-24B-22
Terms used in §§ 22-24B-22 to 22-24B-28, inclusive, mean:
(1) “Community safety zone,” the measurement of a straight line that creates an area that lies within five hundred feet from the facilities and grounds of any school, public park, public playground, or public pool, including the facilities and grounds itself;
22-24B-23
No person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to this chapter may establish a residence or reside within a community safety zone unless:
(6) The person established and inhabited the residence as of July 1, 2006;
(7) The school, public park, public pool, or public playground was built or established subsequent to the person’s establishing residence at the location; or
(8) The circuit court has entered an order pursuant to § 22-24B-28 exempting the offender from the provisions of §§ 22-24B-22 to 22-24B-28, inclusive.
Tennessee
TN Code § 40-39-211
(a) (1) While mandated to comply with the requirements of this chapter, no sexual offender, as defined in § 40-39-202, or violent sexual offender as defined in § 40-39-202, shall knowingly establish a primary or secondary residence or any other living accommodation or knowingly accept employment within one thousand feet (1,000′) of the property line of any public school, private or parochial school, licensed day care center, other child care facility, public park, playground, recreation center, or public athletic field available for use by the general public.
(e) Changes in the ownership or use of property within one thousand feet (1,000′) of the property line of an offender’s primary or secondary residence or place of employment that occur after an offender establishes residence or accepts employment shall not form the basis for finding that an offender is in violation of the residence restrictions of this section.
Texas
TX Code Crim Pro Art. 62.064. PROHIBITED LOCATION OF RESIDENCE.
A person subject to registration under this chapter may not reside on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education unless:
(1) the person is assigned a numeric risk level of one based on an assessment conducted using the sex offender screening tool developed or selected under Article 62.007; and
(2) the institution approves the person to reside on the institution’s campus.
The registration law (Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure) is silent otherwise regarding residency restrictions on the basis of registration alone. Residency restrictions could be imposed if the registrant is under Probation or Parole and the judge or parole board imposes a restriction as a condition of supervision. Once registrants are no longer under Probation or Parole the restrictions are no longer in effect. In addition, some cities have enacted local city ordinances which may restrict where a sex offender may reside.
– Texas Department of Public Safety
Utah
None.
Vermont
None.
Virginia
VA Code § 18.2-370.3
A. Every adult who is convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2006, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, of one of the following qualifying offenses: (i) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, (ii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, (iii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, or (iv) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall be forever prohibited from residing within 500 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a child day center as defined in § 22.1-289.02, or a primary, secondary, or high school. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this section shall only apply if the qualifying offense was done in the commission of, or as a part of the same course of conduct as, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (a) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or § 18.2-48; (b) § 18.2-89, 18.2-90, or 18.2-91; (c) § 18.2-51.2; or (d) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof.
B. An adult who is convicted of an offense as specified in subsection A and has established a lawful residence shall not be in violation of this section if a child day center or a primary, secondary, or high school is established within 500 feet of his residence subsequent to his conviction.
C. Every adult who is convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2008, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, of one of the following qualifying offenses: (i) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, (ii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, (iii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, or (iv) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall be forever prohibited from residing within 500 feet of the boundary line of any place he knows is a public park when such park (a) is owned and operated by a county, city, or town, (b) shares a boundary line with a primary, secondary, or high school, and (c) is regularly used for school activities. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this section shall only apply if the qualifying offense was done in the commission of, or as a part of the same course of conduct as, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (1) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or § 18.2-48; (2) § 18.2-89, 18.2-90, or 18.2-91; (3) § 18.2-51.2; or (4) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof.
D. An adult who is convicted of an offense as specified in subsection C and has established a lawful residence shall not be in violation of this section if a public park that (i) is owned and operated by a county, city, or town, (ii) shares a boundary line with a primary, secondary, or high school, and (iii) is regularly used for school activities, is established within 500 feet of his residence subsequent to his conviction.
E. The prohibitions in this section predicated upon an offense similar to any offense set forth in this section under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall apply only to residences established on and after July 1, 2017.
Washington
If offenders are under supervision they have certain limitations or restrictions placed on them by the Department of Corrections or the sentencing court upon their release from incarceration. Offenders who have completed their time under supervision can live where they choose without restrictions.
– Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs
West Virginia
The West Virginia State Police has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may or may not live, and additionally, unless specific court ordered restrictions exist, offenders are constitutionally free to live wherever and with whomever they choose.
– West Virginia State Police
Wisconsin
There is no restriction per WI Statute regarding where sex offenders can live. Please refer to your local jurisdiction for ordinances that may restrict where sex offenders can reside.
– Wisconsin Department of Corrections SOR
Wyoming
WY Stat § 6-2-320
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to W.S. 7-19-302 shall:
(iv) Reside within one thousand (1,000) feet of the property on which a school is located, measured from the nearest point of the exterior wall of the registered offender’s dwelling unit to the school’s property line, except that this paragraph shall not apply if the registered offender’s residence was established prior to July 1, 2010.
Washington DC
The Metropolitan Police Department does not have the authority to direct where a sex offender may live, work, or attend school. Unless the Courts have placed specific restrictions on the offender’s release, he/she has a right to live wherever he/she chooses.
– Metropolitan Police Department
Guam
Sex offenders who are under probation or parole supervision must have their home locations approved in order to make sure that it is appropriate (for example, not near or with children). Those offenders who are not under a court order or correctional supervision, however, and who are in the community without supervision have no such restrictions (unless they live in a jurisdiction that has residency restrictions).
– Island of Guam Courts of Justice
Northern Mariana Islands
6 CMC §1366
Anyone convicted of a sex offense as an adult involving a minor, while subject to the registration requirements of this article as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 offender, shall not:
(d) Reside or maintain an address for residential purposes at any location within 1000 feet of a playground, school, school bus stop, community center, or other location which is established or designated specifically for the use by or enjoyment of minors and such location is commonly used by minors.
Puerto Rico
L.P.R.A. § 536b.
(f) The court, as part of the sentence and while the person is subject to the Registry, shall notify the sex offender who was convicted of a specified offense against a minor, as defined herein, on the prohibition to establish his/her residence within five hundred (500) feet or less from any elementary, intermediate, or high school, or a child day care establishment duly certified and licensed by the corresponding agencies. This prohibition shall remain in effect while the information of the person remains in the registry.
U.S. Virgin Islands
None.
Some states offer the possibility for registrants to be removed from the registry after meeting certain requirements. Visit the Collateral Consequences Resource Center for a state by state comparison of relief from sex offender registration obligations.
If your state offers a path off the registry, search our directory for a lawyer with experience in registry removal applications.