Bastrop proposes work restrictions for high-risk sex offenders

Bastrop City Council passed an ordinance on first reading in a split vote that restricts certain registered sex offenders from working within 1,000 feet of a child safety zone. The proposed ordinance only applies to Risk Level 2 and Risk Level 3 sex offenders and those whose crimes involved minors. Employers will not face consequences for offenders who violate the proposed ordinance. The ordinance includes a grandfather clause allowing registered sex offenders who are currently employed within 1,000 feet of a child safety zone to maintain their position, and a "hardship exemption" where offenders can approach the police chief with special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. It requires registered sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet away from a place "where children commonly gather" or a "child safety zone," such as schools and parks.