Bill
HB 1872
84(R) - 2015
House Urban Affairs
House Urban Affairs
Criminal Procedure
Municipalities
Vote Recommendation
Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
Author(s)
Jim Murphy
Co-Author(s)
Ralph Sheffield
Ron Simmons
Stuart Spitzer
Drew Springer
Bill Caption
Relating to the authority of certain general-law municipalities to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in the municipality.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to State or local government.
Bill Analysis
HB 1872 would amend Local Government Code to permit general-law municipalities to restrict, by ordinance, a registered sex offender from going in, on, or
within a required distance of not more than 1000 feet of a child safety zone in the municipality. The bill would establish an affirmative defense to prosecution that the registered sex offender had a legitimate purpose, including transportation of a child and work-related purposes. A registered sex offender would be able to apply for an exemption. The ordinance would be required to exempt a registered sex offender who established residency within the specified distance of the child safety zone before the date the ordinance was adopted.
Vote Recommendation Notes
We are remaining neutral on HB 1872, since the bill addresses a legitimate public safety issue but allows municipalities to exercise discretion on this matter.