Law Drafted to Limit Where Sex Offenders Can Live in Pine Township

A law that limits where sex offenders can live in Pine Township was presented, discussed and tabled Monday night.

"I think it's too quick," said Supervisor Frank Spagnolo as the board voted 5-0 to table the draft ordinance to give the township solicitor more time to research the issue.

last month to ask for the ordinance after a sex offender moved into their neighborhood temporarily.

Allegheny County had such an ordinance, but it was struck down in May by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The court's decision outlines what is not allowed, but is unclear on what is allowed regarding residency requirements, said township solicitor Gary Gushard.

He said the ordinance he drafted prevents sex offenders from moving into a residence that is within two blocks or 1,000 feet of any child care facility, community center, park or recreation area.

The ordinance would not apply to sex offenders already established in a residence.

People who violate the ordinance would be sentenced to jail for a maximum of 90 days and fined up to $1,000; the magisterial district judge would determine the sentence.

A check of municipalities in northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County showed that none had ordinances dealing with sex offenders' residency requirements, said Gushard.

The supervisors tabled the draft ordinance to give Gushard more time to look for similar legislation in other municipalities.

Treesdale resident Rebecca Staiger spoke about a similar ordinance passed in Luzerne County. She said it was passed after the Supreme Court decision.

Gushard said he had looked it over.

"I used that as a jumping-off point," he said.