Bill Keeping Sex Predators Away from Playgrounds Becomes Law

The state just got a little smaller for convicted sexual offenders released from jail.

Gov. Charlie Crist just signed into law a measure that punishes convicted sex offenders for loitering within 300 feet of where children gather or for steppping foot in a pre-school or school without prior notification or permission. The law also prohibits offenders from soliciting sex from a child in a public park or communicating to them about it there.

Predators arrested for any of those activities now face as much as a year in jail.

The law also forbids them from dressing up as SpongeBob SquarePants, Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse or any other costumed character, or from passing out candy or engaging in any other activity that attracts children.

Here's Crist's statement:

Our children are our most precious resource and we must continue to work together and seek ways to continue to ensure their safety, said Gov. Crist. Sexual offenders and predators have no right to prey on our children and this law is another step toward securing safer neighborhoods, schools and communities for them.