Missouri Lawmakers Want to Reform the State's Sexual Offender Registry Program.
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Missouri Lawmakers Want to Reform the State's Sexual Offender Registry Program.

Date: October 18, 2011
By: Matt Evans
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
A Missouri House committee heard emotional testimonies about the state's sexual offender registration program.
RunTime:  0:51
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: ((NATS CRYING))

Nearly a half a dozen families shared similar stories about their lives being unfairly impacted by Missouri's sex offender laws. Fourteen-year-old Zach Baumstark downloaded child pornography, a move that caused him to be branded as a sexual predator the rest of his life.

Zach's mother talked to lawmakers and says the law required sex therapy led to depression which led to her son's death.

Actuality:  BAUMS.WAV
Run Time:  00:18
Description: "It was a hopeless situation for a 20-year-old boy who made a mistake when he was just a child. On November 4, 2010, I lost my son. The autopsy report deemed his death an accidental overdose. I, and those who knew him well, deemed it an accidental suicide."

Representatives will continue to meet and try to draft legislation reforming the system during the general session.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Matt Evans.

Intro: 
On the mind of some Missouri lawmakers - sex. A House Committee works to reform sex offender laws throughout the state.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: ((NATS CRYING))

Nearly a half a dozen people shared their emotional stories and urged legislators to reform the state's sex offender laws.

A woman who identified herself as Lisa told the story of her husband.  He has a clean record - except for that one time when he was 19 and had sex with an underage girl - nearly 20 years ago. Now, Lisa says her husband is barred from all their children's school activities and can't find a job. She also says the Federal Marshals go too far.

Actuality:  LISA01.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "Two Marshals come into our house - two different times - in full uniform, guns, looking for my husband, making sure he's complying. My children were there.

 

The committee is looking into drafting new legislation for the general session that would reform the state's sex offender laws.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Matt Evans.