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Halloween + Sex Offenders = Too Scary for Calif. County, Which Passes Unusual Law

(CBS)

VISALIA, Calif. (CBS/AP) It seems like a good idea - preventing sex offenders from giving out candy to kids on Halloween.

But is it legal?

A California county has passed a measure barring people convicted of child sex crimes from decorating their homes and handing out treats to the kiddies come Halloween.

The Porterville Recorder reports that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday in favor of the new ordinance, despite objections it could violate state law and the U.S. Constitution.

Supervisors say the law will keep children safe while trick-or-treating.

But Public Defender Michael Sheltzer says there is no evidence that children are more vulnerable to sex offenders on Halloween.

He says the new regulations are questionable under California state law and also restrict the rights of sex offenders under the First Amendment.

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