News

Maine Towns Allowed to Ban Sex Offenders from Parks, Fields

Maine Towns Allowed to Ban Sex Offenders from Parks, Fields

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Maine towns will be able to ban sex offenders from any state or municipal park, athletic field or recreational facility serving children.

A new law allows municipalities to prohibit sex offenders from coming within 750 feet of such property. Officials in Madawaska had argued that state law only allowed municipalities to ban such individuals who come near property leased to nonprofits.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage signed Democratic Rep. Roland Martin’s bill into law on April 18, and it will take effect three months after lawmakers return to Augusta to consider LePage’s vetoes.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine opposed the original bill and said there’s no evidence that sex offender residency restrictions work. They argued that research shows family members and acquaintances commit most sex crimes against children.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Entertainment, Trending

Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage

Fresh

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actor petitioned on Tuesday to end her marriage to the 57-year-old Grammy winning country singer in a Nashville court. The documents state the couple has undergone "marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences."

7 hours ago in Local

Southern Maine Community College Open After Lockdown

People had been asked to avoid the area while the lockdown was in effect.

8 hours ago in Local

Portland Police Looking for Man Missing for a Month

Officers did not say where the man was last seen.

21 hours ago in Local

Fiery Scarborough Crash Caught on Video

Crews quickly stretched a hose line and had water on the flames within moments.

21 hours ago in Local

Union Man Get 10 Years Drug Trafficking in Midcoast

Homeland Security and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.