Legislative panel advances sex offender measures

An Arkansas Senate panel has advanced a measure barring sex offenders from swimming pools and playground at state parks and another that would impose a fee on new residents who are required to register as sex offenders.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday endorsed the measures, which head to the Senate for a vote.
The panel backed a bill by Republican Sen. Missy Irvin of Mountain View that would prohibit Level 3 and Level 4 sex offenders from being at a swimming area or children's playground located within a state park.
The committee also endorsed a bill by Republican Sen. Jon Woods of Springdale that would require sex offenders who have moved from another state to pay a $250 fee. The money would help pay for the sex offender registry.