As of October 2024, a federal judge ruled that Missouri can no longer enforce its law requiring registered sex offenders to post “No candy or treats” signs on their property on Halloween. This ruling struck down the sign requirement, deeming it a violation of the First Amendment’s protection against compelled speech.
While the sign requirement was abolished, other provisions of the 2008 Missouri law remain in effect for those on the registry during Halloween.
Key changes and current law
Sign requirement abolished
- In early October 2024, U.S. District Judge John Ross issued a permanent injunction against the sign requirement, ruling that forcing individuals to post signs was unconstitutional.
- The ruling was the result of a lawsuit filed by a registered offender in Hazelwood, Missouri, who was arrested in 2022 for violating the Halloween restrictions.
Remaining restrictions
- Other parts of the 2008 law still apply to registered sex offenders during Halloween.
- The law mandates that registered offenders must:
- Remain inside their homes between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Halloween night.
- Keep their outdoor residential lights off during the evening.
- Avoid any Halloween-related contact with children.
Aftermath and legal challenges
- Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey immediately announced his intention to appeal the federal court’s decision. As of September 2025, there was an update on the progress of the legal challenge in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- In October 2025, the City of Hazelwood temporarily attempted to resume enforcement of the sign requirement, but later reversed its position.
- This legal challenge is part of a broader national conversation, with similar sign laws in other states being challenged and struck down on First Amendment grounds.