Bill Seeks To Put Sex Offenders In The Spotlight

A bill pitting the safety of children against the rights of sex offenders and that could cost Idaho $300,000 a year if not enacted will be argued today before the Legislature.

The “Child Protection Act of 1998” would, among other things, change the law to allow more public access to names of registered sex offenders.

Now, an Idaho parent can check out a baby sitter to see whether she or he is on the state’s sex offender list. But if the law is passed, that same parent could get a list of all offenders in the neighborhood.

“The intent is to allow people, through knowledge, to protect their children,” said Ann Thompson, Idaho Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman.

If the bill does not pass, Idaho would lose about $300,000 a year from a federal law enforcement grant.

Sen. Sheila Sorensen, R-Boise, wants to protect children but questions whether the bill is fair.

“I like everyone having access,” Sorensen said. “I just don’t know how you resolve that issue of those individuals who work hard to straighten themselves out.”

Another concern is that increased access could heighten the risk of people taking their own form of justice against sex offenders.

But Idaho’s bill has provisions that would provide penalties for abuses of the information.