Bill > HB2560

This bill authorizes counties in Texas to create restrictions on where registered sex offenders can go within the unincorporated areas of the county. Specifically, the bill allows counties to establish "child safety zones" and prohibit registered sex offenders from entering or being within a specified distance (up to 1,000 feet) of these zones, which include places where children commonly gather, such as schools, daycares, and playgrounds. The bill provides an affirmative defense for registered sex offenders if they have a legitimate purpose for being in a child safety zone, such as transporting a child they are legally permitted to be with or for work-related reasons. The bill also requires counties to establish procedures for registered sex offenders to apply for exemptions and to exempt those who established residency near a child safety zone before the order was adopted.