Bill > S1752

This bill establishes local residency restrictions for Level 3 sex offenders, which are individuals designated by the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board as having a high risk of reoffending and posing a substantial public safety risk. The bill allows cities and towns to vote to make it unlawful for Level 3 sex offenders to live within 1,500 feet of schools, day-care centers, parks, beaches, or public recreational facilities. The distance will be measured in a straight line using the state's Geographic Information System (GIS), which will be presumed accurate. If a Level 3 sex offender is found to be residing within the prohibited distance, they will receive a 30-day written notice to relocate to a residence that is at least 1,500 feet from such facilities. The first day after the notice period is considered the first violation, and each subsequent day of non-compliance will be considered a separate violation. Importantly, if new schools, day-care centers, parks, or recreational facilities are established within 500 feet of an existing sex offender's residence after they have already established their home, this will not be grounds for a violation. The bill provides a mechanism for local communities to implement additional protective measures for public safety.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1752