GPS Tracking for Sex Offenders in Utah

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Many sex offenders who commit crimes against children could find themselves wearing a tracking device for the rest of their lives in Utah based on changes being proposed in the State Legislature.

"Most of these sex offenders are going to re-offend, and our whole idea is to have them on a short leash if they do get out," says Representative Paul Ray. "That way we'll know where they are at all times and can warn people about them."

Ray will sponsor the new law this January as a companion to another measure that will guarantee a minimum of 25 years in prison for child rapists. GPS tracking is part of a national standard for sex offenses against children known as "Jessica's Law." That law also requires fingerprints and background checks for anyone who works on school grounds, but Ray says those won't be part of his bill this year.

He also says it's unlikely legislators will revisit a controversial plan to restrict registered sex offenders from coming within a certain distance of parks and schools.

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