Halloween restrictions for registered sex offenders in Missouri, in place since 2008, will have a change this year following a ruling in the US 8th District Court.
The Halloween rules that had been in place prior to this ruling included, a registered sex offender shall:
- Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children;
- Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies;
- Post a sign at his or her residence stating, “No candy or treats at this residence”; and
- Leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.
The judge’s ruling removes #3 – requiring the posting of a sign.
Items 1, 2 and 4 remain in effect.