Lawmaker calls for sex offender registry changes
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Lawmaker calls for sex offender registry changes

Date: September 3, 2013
By: Matt Kalish
State Capitol Bureau
Links: http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB301&year=2013&code=R

Intro: 
A top House Democrat wants to overhaul the state's sex offender registry even if the legislature can't override Governor Nixon's veto of a bill that would reform the system.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Representative Chris Kelly says he’ll push to revamp the sex offender registry if the legislature does not override a veto on legislation that removes those convicted as minors.

Kelly says that despite the bill’s language, the registry is flawed.

Actuality:  KELLY1.WAV
Run Time:  00:15
Description: The sex registry has turned from being a tool for law enforcement to being a hammer for politicians to demagogue on for law and order

Proponents of the measure argue the bill provides a fresh start to minors.

Governor Jay Nixon says the bill is too broad and does not give victims a voice in the process.

Reporting from the state capitol, I’m Matt Kalish.

Intro: 
A top House Democrat wants to retool the sex offender registry to give convicted minors a second chance.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Representative Chris Kelly says the state’s sex offender registry is outdated even if lawmakers do not override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of a bill that would reform the system.

Actuality:  KELLY2.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: No one for years has payed any attention to the actual structure of the list. We have people on there for extremely minor offenses, their lives are ruined.

The legislature passed the measure which removed some sex offenders from the registry who were tried as minors.

Nixon says the language is too broad and doesn't allow victims a chance to speak.

Kelly says there are problems with the bill but wants something done on the issue.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Matt Kalish.

Intro: 
A senior House Democrat is calling on the General Assembly to override Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill that would modify the state’s sex offender registry.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Representative Chris Kelly says a vetoed bill that would remove sex offenders convicted as minors from the registry has some problems but is good overall.

Actuality:  KELLY3.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: In my judgment, it's more important to take a step forward and then go back and fix the problems. You can tighten up a bill like this.

The measure passed the General Assembly by a large margin in May but was vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon in July.

Nixon says the bill prevents victims from having a voice in the process and that the language of the bill was too broad.

Kelly says he would continue to pursue changes in January’s legislative session even if the veto is sustained.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Matt Kalish.