LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – The Arkansas Senate has approved a bill banning sex
offenders from participating in Halloween activities with children, including
wearing costumes or handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
The Senate approved by a 29-1 vote Thursday legislation prohibiting Level 3 and
4 sex offenders, including sexually violent predators and repeat offenders, from
distributing candy or other items to minors as part of a Halloween-related
event. The bill also prohibits sex offenders from wearing a costume or mask at a
Halloween-related event with minors.
The bill would not prevent offenders from giving a child candy if they’re with
the child’s parent or guardian, or from wearing a costume if they’re a parent or
guardian of all the children present.
The measure now heads to the House.
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