Oklahoma Lawmaker Calls For Study On New Sex Offender Law

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma lawmaker is asking for a study on a law regarding Registered Sex Offenders.

A review of Tulsa registered Sex Offenders found 40% are listed as unemployed, disabled or retired. According to the review, a majority find it difficult to even find a job, a place to live, or to pay for counseling.

"We'll bring in experts from around the state and we will look at what other states are doing have a meeting where everyone can voice their opinions to see if there are ways to improve the way we treat and register sex offenders in Oklahoma," said State Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, (D) District 78-Tulsa.

Hand Up Ministries in Oklahoma City has a gate and sign to keep women and children out and cameras to monitor who comes and goes.

But a new law just passed is going to cause Hand Up to move its ministries, possibly impacting its ability to help many registered sex offenders.

"It is incredibly difficult for these men to find employment, but they find it," said Chris Hollrah, who helps sex offenders. "There are people who will hire them."

Handup Ministries has until July of next year to comply with the law to either build a new single unit apartments for their registered sex offenders or to find a new place for their residential program.

Meanwhile, McDaniels should know next week if that study has been approved or denied by House Speaker Chris Steele.