Bastrop, TX Passes Ordinance Restricting Sex Offenders, Resident Petitions for Marijuana Decriminalization

Bastrop, TX passes strict ordinance on sex offenders

The Bastrop City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance that heavily restricts the movements and activities of registered sex offenders within the city limits. The ordinance mirrors Texas' HB 1111, which grants general law cities the right to prohibit sex offenders' proximity to places where children gather. Bastrop's ordinance dictates that registered sex offenders must live at least 1,000 feet away from city parks, schools, daycares, and recreation centers. It also prohibits them from participating in community events and bans them from having their porch lights on during Halloween.

"There are cities out there who have applied broader restrictions," said Rezzin Pullum, filling in for City Attorney Alan Bojorquez. Some cities have restricted sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of child safety zones, effectively banning them from the city.

Resident petitions for marijuana decriminalization

In other news, Bastrop resident and state House District 17 candidate Desiree Venable is leading a petition to decriminalize marijuana within the city limits. Venable believes that decriminalization will lead to a more just and efficient society, allowing law enforcement to focus on more significant issues. She has found support from law enforcement officers she's spoken to while canvassing. Venable needs approximately 400 voters to sign her petition to get the referendum on the ballot.

"These amendments enhance individual contributions to the community," Venable said. "Criminalizing people for possession often leads to unnecessary social and economic consequences that affect the broader community."

Sources:

• [Bastrop sex offender ordinance](https://www.bastrop幡衫com/news/localnews/bastrop欲 city恃 council要 passes案 an此 ordinance此 restricting此 where此 sex衫 offenders此 can此 live/article吱_ Plon this 3613ea0a-6e5e-57f4-9de4-bf6670afc3ea.amp.html)
• [Marijuana decriminalization petition](https://www.bastrop幡衫com/news/localnews/desiree此 venable此 seeking此 marijuanaこち decriminalization此 in此 bastrop/article吱_ f5dc790c-a7d8-5a6f-8bf9-f8f76cd7d1d1.html)