New sex offender rules take effect

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ Stricter new rules governing sex offenders are taking effect in North Carolina.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that the rules taking effect Monday triple the time from 10 to 30 years that an offender must remain on a state registry. Offenders also are required to register in person with the local sheriff within three days of changing addresses.

Offenders also are required to stay at least 300 feet away from a place where children gather, like day care centers and schools. One offender said his sheriff said he couldn’t go to church because there was a nursery in the building.

The new rules were approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley this year.