Bill

HB 387

85(R) - 2017
House Urban Affairs
House Urban Affairs
Children
Crimes
Municipalities

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Jim Murphy

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of general-law municipalities to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in the municipality. 


Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Currently in Texas, Home Rule cities are able to establish “child safety zones” which limit areas registered sex offenders are allowed to live, work in, or travel to, or through. This bill would, with some conditions, allow general law municipalities to also set up child safety zones restricting the movements of registered sex offenders. If passed, there would be a defense to prosecution if a registered sex offender was in, on or within a specified distance of a child safety zone for a legitimate purpose including transportation of a child that is allowed to be in their custody and other work-related purposes. The distance requirement may not be more than 1,000 feet. 


Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 387 does not actually create new child safety zones but merely grants ordinance-making authority to general law municipalities, and because the bill would require ordinances to make accommodations for travel routes, employment location, pre-existing residency, and other social reintegration issues we see no connection between this bill and our liberty principles. For this reason we will remain neutral on HB 387. 

Organizations Supporting

Texas Conservative Coalition
Texas Municipal League

Organizations Opposed

R Street Institute