Against the Tide: Legislative Reasons to Constrain the Use of Residency Restrictions

• In Event: Advances in Sex Offense Policy Research: Public Policy Development

Abstract

During a time of more punitive public policy regarding the management of sex offenders, a few state legislatures have declined to pass residency restriction laws. This paper focuses on three states that have taken different paths in their decision to inhibit the passage and implementation of this particular management strategy. The research questions ask: What attempts were made to pass residency restrictions in these states? What contributed to the decision to restrict the use of this policy? Through the analysis of all residency restriction bills, committee hearings and testimony, we find that several factors likely contribute to the constrained use of this particular management strategy. Implications for policy and advocacy will be discussed.

Authors

• Erin Comartin, Oakland University

• Monica Williams, Weber State University

• Robert Lytle, University of Arkansas at Little Rock