Texas Senate Bill SB1836

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to restrictions on the residence or location of certain sex offenders and to notice reflecting that location.

Impact

The implications of this bill could be substantial for both the state’s registered sex offenders and local communities. By establishing these residency restrictions, SB1836 seeks to reduce potential risks to children and enhance community safety. It reflects a broader legislative trend toward increasing restrictions on the movement and residency of sex offenders, which proponents argue is critical for safeguarding public welfare. The law would apply to individuals based on their level of risk assessed prior to their release from penal institutions.

Summary

SB1836 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning the residency and notification requirements for certain sex offenders. The bill aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter regulations on where individuals with specific convictions can reside, particularly in relation to schools. The legislation mandates that individuals registered as sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of any school, ensuring a buffer zone intended to protect minors and vulnerable populations from potential risk factors related to their proximity to sex offenders.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1836 may include discussions regarding the effectiveness of such laws in truly preventing offenses versus the potential for further stigmatization and social isolation of registered offenders. Critics may argue that while the intention is to protect children, these measures do not address the underlying issues of recidivism and may instead lead to unintended consequences, such as homelessness among offenders who are unable to find compliant housing. Additionally, there may be concerns raised about the burden these laws place on law enforcement to monitor compliance and the resources required to enforce such restrictions.