App.com (New Jersey) : Twnshp to Repeal Sex Offender Law.
Manalapan township is moving forward with plans to repeal its sex-offender residency law, following the state Supreme Court's decision in May that struck local laws restricting where offenders may live.
The Township Committee at its June 10 meeting introduced an ordinance that would repeal its existing sex offender registry law. The township in 2005 had barred sex offenders from living within 2,500 feet of a school, day-care center, park or library.
The high court affirmed last year's state appellate court decision, which said Cherry Hill and Galloway could not enforce residency restrictions for convicted sex offenders because those local rules conflicted with the state's Megan's Law.
The decision invalidated rules in some 100 communities across the state, including Manalapan's.
"We're compelled to rescind the ordinance now," Township Attorney Ronald Cucchiaro said.
