March 16, 2010

ATLANTA -- Some low-risk sex offenders would be able to get off the state's registry under a bill that cleared the House.

The legislation would give certain inmates the ability to petition the courts to remove them from the registry after completing their sentences. Among those who would be eligible are the disabled, those confined to a hospice and so-called Romeo and Juliet statutory rape cases, in which the teens are close together in age.

A judge could approve or deny the petition.

The bill passed 165-to-one on Tuesday.

The legislation was introduced last year by David Ralston, who's since become speaker of the House. The bill also makes other technical changes to bring the state's tough sex offender law in line with various court rulings.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)