566.147. Certain offenders not to reside within one thousand feet of a property line of a school, child care facility, or victim’s residence — violations, penalties.
Sex offenders can’t live near schools, child care centers, or their victims
In Missouri, people convicted of certain sex crimes can’t live within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or the home of one of their victims. Breaking this rule is a crime.
1. If someone has ever been found guilty of certain sex crimes (including incest, child pornography, child exploitation, or child endangerment), they cannot live within 1,000 feet of:
- A public or private school (grades up to 12)
- A licensed or regulated child care center
- The home of a former victim
This rule applies only if the school, daycare, or victim’s home existed before the offender moved in.
2. If a school, daycare, or victim’s home moves in later—after the person is already living there—the person must:
- Tell the local sheriff within one week
- Prove that they were living there before the change
3. “Resides” means sleeping at a place, even if it’s mobile (like an RV or trailer). But staying in a licensed hospital or care facility doesn’t count.
4. The 1,000 feet is measured from the edge of the offender’s property to the edge of the school, daycare, or victim’s property.
5. Penalties:
- Breaking the rule in subsection 1 (living too close): Class E felony for the first offense, Class B felony for second or later offenses.
- Breaking the rule in subsection 2 (not reporting after something moves in): Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, Class E felony for second or later offenses.
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