Wisconsin Senate passes residence restrictions for sex offenders

MADISON — The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill creating uniform restrictions on where violent sex offenders can live.

Municipalities currently use local ordinances to create zones where sex offenders can't live. The bill would create statewide regulations barring violent sex offenders from living with 1,500 feet of any school, day care, youth center, church or public park.

Additionally, sex offenders who committed crimes against children couldn't live next door to children, and sex offenders who committed crimes against an elderly or disabled person couldn't live within 1,500 feet of a nursing home or other assisted living facility.

Local ordinances would generally remain enforceable.

The Senate approved the bill Tuesday, sending it to Gov. Scott Walker for signing.