LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal trial is under way in Lincoln over a challenge to changes made in Nebraska’s sex offender laws in 2009

Three dozen sex offenders claim the state went too far. The case before U.S. Senior District Judge Richard Kopf, which began Monday, is expected to last two weeksIf the state wins, convicted sex offenders would be forced to disclose to law enforcement the online names they use and sites where they’ve posted comments. They would also be banned from using social networking sites, instant messaging and chat rooms that can be used by minors.

Defense attorneys say the law violates First Amendment rights. Prosecutors say sex offenders can look at websites, so long as they aren’t communicating.

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