Reynolds seeks dirty bookstore tax

Feb. 27, 2006 -- State Sen. Tom Reynolds (R- West Allis) wants to tax adult bookstores and video stores to pay for transitional release facilities for sexually violent offenders.

Reynolds, who represents Story Hill in the Senate, would levy a 12% tax on admissions or user fees charged by the stores. The tax also would apply to food or beverages sold by the stores, or any services they offer, according to Reynolds' bill.

Reynolds does not specify exactly what services he has in mind, whether they need to be legal to be taxed.

The bill also would eliminate the requirement that the state provide housing in the county where the offender lives. Instead, it would require that the state provide housing in whichever county can best meet the offender's treatment needs, while still limiting the number of sex offenders living close to each other.