LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A bill heading to the Arkansas Senate would ban sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities with children, including wearing costumes or handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday endorsed a proposal prohibiting Level 3 and 4 sex offenders from distributing candy or other items to minors as part of a Halloween-related event. The bill would also prohibit sex offenders from wearing a costume or mask at a Halloween-related event with minors.
The bill would not prevent offenders from giving a child candy if they’re the child’s parent or guardian, or from wearing a costume if they’re a parent or guardian of all the children present.
The proposal from Republican Sen. Trent Garner now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
