Registered sex offenders may not hand out candy or other treats and are prohibited from having any contact with children on Halloween, according to state law.

County deputies plan to target the most severe offenders, those convicted of sexual contact with young victims, mainly those between the ages of 9 and 14, or younger.

A county detective told The Missourian that about 40 offenders who fall into that category live in unincorporated parts of Franklin County and about another 20 live in the various municipalities.

"We will have officers knocking on doors to determine if they (registered offenders) are in compliance with the law," said Lt. Chuck Subke.

The law requires registered sex offenders on Halloween to:

* Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children;

* Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause including, but not limited to, employment or medical emergencies;

* Post a sign at his or her residence stating "No candy or treats at this residence"; and

* Leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.

Any registered offender who violates the section of the law shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Subke said if a registered offender is found to be in violation, the case will be referred to the prosecuting attorney's office.

Subke said there is a challenge to the law pending before the Missouri Supreme Court. No decision has been made yet, but the high court could rule as late as Saturday, Oct. 31, that the provisions are not enforceable, Subke said.

The law became effective in August 2008.