The Kentucky Supreme Court in Kentucky v. Baker, (opinion available here) has found the retroactive application of the sex offender residency restriction to be unconstitutional. From the Lexington Herald-Leader:
A state law limiting where registered sex offenders may live cannot apply to those who committed offenses before July 12, 2006, the day the law was implemented, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
The law prohibits sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of playgrounds, day-care centers and schools, and the law changed how the distance is measured.
The court, in a 5-2 decision, said the law is punitive and violates the ex post facto clause, or retroactive law, in the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from passing laws that increase punishment for old crimes. The restrictions will still apply to anyone convicted after July 12, 2006.
As of Thursday morning, there were 280 sex offenders in Fayette County, and six were not in compliance, according to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Kathy Witt said some addresses are visited every day. Those who are incompliant are usually not living at the addresses listed for the individuals.
H/T: Sentencing Law & Policy.
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