Relating to the authority of certain counties to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in certain portions of the unincorporated area of the county.
If passed, the bill would create the framework within which county commissioners could issue orders prohibiting registered sex offenders from entering specified distances from these child safety zones. The bill allows for a distance of up to 1,000 feet, thereby providing a local mechanism to enforce restrictions in areas deemed at risk. Additionally, it enables the creation of exemption procedures for registered sex offenders who may need to enter these zones for legitimate reasons, such as child transportation and employment-related tasks.
House Bill 2133 seeks to empower counties in Texas with populations of 300,000 or less to restrict registered sex offenders from accessing designated child safety zones. These zones include places where children gather such as schools, day-care facilities, playgrounds, and youth centers located in the unincorporated areas of the counties. The legislative intent is to bolster public safety by preventing convicted sex offenders from being in close proximity to locations frequented by children.
The primary points of contention surrounding HB 2133 revolve around the balance of public safety against the rights of registered sex offenders. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to protect children from potential dangers posed by sex offenders in the community. Opponents, however, may argue that such restrictions could lead to excessive limitations on the movement of registered sex offenders, particularly those who might be working or living near these zones. There is also concern that the vague definitions within the bill could lead to misapplication and potentially punitive measures against individuals trying to comply with the law.