SEATTLE -- Several states, including Maryland, Missouri, and Idaho are taking aggressive action this Halloween to protect Trick-or-Treaters from sex offenders. In Maryland, the state sent registered sex offenders special posters that read 'No Candy At This Residence.' Offenders are required to post them on their front doors. They've also been instructed to stay inside and not participate in various Halloween activities.

In Idaho, Department of Corrections officers will be visiting sex offenders' homes to make sure they're not doing anything that would encourage children to approach their houses. That means, porch lights must remain off and they are prohibited from displaying pumpkins or Halloween decorations. Idaho also has a 5 p.m. to sunrise curfew that will be enforced.

However, the Washington State Department of Corrections is not planning any specific restrictions or enforcements against registered sex offenders. One DOC spokesperson says, "If we thought there was something more we could do that would protect children from predators, we'd do it 365 days a year."

We met several local parents who wondered why Washington lawmakers haven't created laws to protect children from sex offenders on Halloween. One mother and grandmother told KIRO TV, "I think it would make a big difference. They (sex offenders) shouldn't be allowed to take part in any Halloween activities where there are kids involved."

Local police departments say the best protection for children is for parents to go out Trick-or-Treating with them. Authorities also suggest people check the Washington State Sex Offender Information Center online. Here's the link http://ml.waspc.org. You can type in your address and find where the registered sex offenders are living in your neighborhood.