Attorney General's News Release

October 30, 2009

Attorney General Koster says registered sex offenders must follow Halloween law

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster today reminded Missourians that a 2008 law requiring special actions on Halloween by registered sex offenders is in effect, despite recent legal challenges.

According to Koster, on Halloween registered sex offenders must:

• Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children.
• Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5:00 and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or a medical emergency.
• Post a sign on his or her residence stating, "No candy or treats at this residence."
• Leave off all outside residential lighting during the evening hours after 5:00 p.m.

"Parents always need to be cautious and aware of the houses their children are visiting on Halloween," Koster said. "But parents certainly should not have to worry that their children might be ringing the doorbell of a registered sex offender. I fully support this law to forbid sex offenders from contact with trick-or-treaters."

Koster said the Attorney General's office will continue to defend the constitutionality of the law.