This is a TERRIBLE bill, and I am deeply disappointed in Del Watts (as well as Sen. Diggs in SB 55) , who has so often done so many wonderful things for children. But this bill would provide an injustice to those other marginalized people, so-called sex offenders, who are also sometimes placed on the registry as children, too.
100 feet is far TOO CLOSE and easy to trip up unsuspecting people who may inadvertently stumble upon the many random parks and rec areas frequented by children.
It would be the police who effectively determine what "loitering" means, and would further stigmatize those who , like me, were unjustly convicted of a crime we never contemplated to begin with.
Children who might wish to play with their friends, but who are also on the registry would be barred from such venues as well.
It is a solution in search of a problem, and deeply insulting to those of us , over 1 million now, placed on the registry, often for trifling matters that have nothing to do with harming children. We would be further stigmatized.
I write on behalf of many who would not be writing here, but depending on my voice as well.
This is a TERRIBLE bill, and I am deeply disappointed in Del Watts (as well as Sen. Diggs in SB 55) , who has so often done so many wonderful things for children. But this bill would provide an injustice to those other marginalized people, so-called sex offenders, who are also sometimes placed on the registry as children, too. 100 feet is far TOO CLOSE and easy to trip up unsuspecting people who may inadvertently stumble upon the many random parks and rec areas frequented by children. It would be the police who effectively determine what "loitering" means, and would further stigmatize those who , like me, were unjustly convicted of a crime we never contemplated to begin with. Children who might wish to play with their friends, but who are also on the registry would be barred from such venues as well. It is a solution in search of a problem, and deeply insulting to those of us , over 1 million now, placed on the registry, often for trifling matters that have nothing to do with harming children. We would be further stigmatized. I write on behalf of many who would not be writing here, but depending on my voice as well.