workshop item #18 for 6/12/06 agenda

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: 06/12/2006 Budl!:et Requested By: Richard R Reff Source of Funds: Department: City Cqundl Account Number: Report: x Resolution: Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: Propsoed Ordinance Amount Requested: Exhibits: Exhibits: Sample ordinances Budgeted Item: YES NO Exhibits BllckgrQund inwrmlltiQn SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION The State of Texas under the Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62 established a Sex Offender Registration Program which governs the requirements of the sex offender and agencies responsible for registration. In order to create a safety zone for children the Code of Criminal Procedure in Article 42.12(13B) allowed for the creation of a 1,000 foot safety zone where children would commonly gather as a condition of probation or parole. Due to concern for recidivism of sex offenders there is a great deal of concern regarding the protection of La Porte's children from certain sex offenders, specifically those who have been convicted for offenses against children. A number of cities in Texas and other states have adopted ordinances that create the safety zone of 1,000 feet around areas where children commonly gather to protect the children of their respective communities. This workshop is to receive direction from the City Council as to whether it desires to establish a 1,000 foot safety zone area the areas in La Porte where our children commonly gather. This would be accomplished by not allowing a sex offender of a child who was less than sixteen (16) at the time of the offense to live within a 1,000 of areas where children commonly gather. Action Required bv Council: Receive direction as to whether or not to draft an ordinance establishing a 1,000 foot safety zone for children. Approved for City Council Al!:enda If-&; -Oh Date