Finally, someone's getting a clue. As you may remember from my previous rant, I have an issue with, well, pretty much every aspect of the current approach to handling sex offenders. And from the number of thoughtful comments attached to my rant, it's pretty clear others do as well.

But it looks like there may be some potentially good news for residents of the state of Florida. Florida lawmakers are among the first of the states to wake up and recognize that the scope of current law does not even come close to intelligent. Lawmakers are re-examining the issue of teenage sexual relationships in an effort to stop "ruining some people's lives." Good call, Florida.

The new senate bill would allow for juveniles to petition for their removal from the state registry if certain criteria are met. While this bill only touches the edge of a huge problem, it's still a step in a good direction.

Comments

[Michael Snow]

How generous of Florida. If I understand this, now,IF this passes, juveniles can petition the state to un-ruin their lives?

[Greg Laurich]

First what business does a 19 year old have sleeping with a 15 year old? OK now I feel better! Seriously they need to do something. There is a world of difference between a rapist and two teenagers doing the happy sack dance.

[Richard Witherow]

If Florida does pass a bill allowing juvenile offenders who have not committed a heineous crime to petition the courts to be removed from the sexual registry great. But it isn't going far enough. What about other sex offenders who made one mistake in their life, went to prison and are highly unlikely to ever reoffend. Are they to suffer for the rest of their lives? When are we going to wake up and clssify sex offenders based on their degree of risk and not prevent them from becoming productive members of our society?