CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Sex offenders would have a shorter window of time to register with law enforcement if a bill approved by the Joint Judiciary Interim Committee becomes law.

The committee voted 9-1 on Thursday to require sex offenders to register within 10 days of establishing a residence. Although 43 states already require registration within 10 days, Wyoming's current law allows 40 days.

The bill also would allow judges to order defendants to pay for psycho-sexual evaluations and would require transients to report weekly to a local sheriff's office. Under the current law it is difficult to prosecute transients because they don't have a permanent address.

Natrona County District Attorney Mike Blonigen told the committee some sex offenders intentionally move to states with more relaxed laws.

"Apparently these people do research to find out which states are easier to live in with their rules," Blonigen said.

Sen. Keith Goodenough, D-Casper, cast the only vote against the bill. He said 20 days was a better registration period, and he objected to requiring sex offenders to fund evaluations, saying some might not be able to afford the cost.

Under the new law, people convicted of sexual battery - defined as inappropriate touching or exposing children to pornography - still wouldn't be required to register as sex offenders.

Some offenders with a low risk of repeat offenses would be required to register, but that list would be kept confidential.

Moderate- and high-risk offenders would be required to register, and sheriff's deputies would be required to notify residents living within 750 feet of the offender.

Those considered most likely to re-offend would have their pictures posted on a Web site hosted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com