New Oklahoma Legislation Bans Sex Offenders From Living With Minors

Gov. Mary Fallin has signed legislation that bans registered sex offenders from living with minor children.

Fallin signed the measure into law on Tuesday. Its author, Rep. Mike Sanders, says it will help protect Oklahoma children.

Previously, state law didn't prohibit a sex offender from living with a minor child. Sanders says he was surprised to learn that a sex offender was living with a child in his district.

He says it seemed illogical to ban sex offenders from living near schools but allow them to live with a child.

Sanders says he is happy state lawmakers and Fallin supported his efforts to fix the loophole. He says the new law will complement reforms by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to make the state safer for children