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LA County Judge Blocks Jessica's Law

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a law restricting how close sex offenders can live to parks and schools in Los Angeles County.

Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza issued the ruling Monday, saying that parolees are forced to become homeless or go to prison because the law gives them few housing options.

The ruling halts enforcement of the measure known as Jessica's Law, which forbids sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of a public or private school or a park where children gather.

Espinoza says the restrictions have increased the homeless population and may undermine public safety.

The ruling is temporary, pending final resolution of a flood of lawsuits being filed on behalf of sex offender parolees.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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