Bill > H3445

This bill establishes "child safety zones," which are defined as various public places frequented by children, including parks, playgrounds, schools, libraries, and recreational facilities, along with their adjacent areas and parking lots. It makes it illegal for a "child sex offender" – defined as individuals with Level 2 or Level 3 designations whose victims were under 16, or those convicted of specific sex offenses against minors, or those adjudicated as sexually dangerous persons with child victims, or those convicted of similar offenses in other jurisdictions – to be present in these zones. Violators will receive a citation and be required to leave, with subsequent violations potentially leading to civil or criminal fines and arrest. The bill also mandates that the Attorney General's office notify registered child sex offenders about these requirements, and that local police departments maintain and make public maps and lists of these child safety zones, with the Department of Public Safety potentially issuing further regulations. However, exceptions are provided for child sex offenders who have been removed from the registry, are attending religious services, are accompanying their child to an event, are voting at a designated polling place, are students at a school within a child safety zone, or are conducting official business at a government office or court.