School transportation starts as soon as a student walks to the bus stop, which is why some local and state lawmakers are demanding more protections be put in place to protect children from sexual predators.
In California, the ordinance approved by the Hemet City Council last week would keep sex offenders 300 feet from “child safety zones” such as childcare centers, schools, school bus stops, parks, libraries and other locations hosting classes or activities for youth.
The new restrictions will apply only to registered sex offenders who were released from custody for any offense after the ordinance is adopted. Violation of the ordinance will result in a misdemeanor charge. Some exceptions to the ordinance include registered sex offenders who reside within a zone, offenders who are practicing First Amendment rights in that area and offenders who are accompanying their own children in safe zones.
Child Safety Zone legislation has already been passed in the New York counties of Rockland, Putnam and Naussau, and now lawmakers are pushing for Westchester County to follow suit. This legislation prohibits convicted sexual predators from living within 1,000 feet of any school, playground, school bus stop or other place where children congregate.
The Oct. 27 arrest of a Mohegan Lake man for a sexual offense that occurred outside a high school has spurred elected officials to take further action. The next day state Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli joined state Sen. Greg Ball, Assemblyman Steve Katz and Yorktown Councilmembers Nicholas Bianco and Dr. Terrence Murphy to renew their call for passage of “Child Safety Zone” laws.
Castelli, a 21-year veteran of the State Police, is a member of the Assembly Minority’s Sex Offender Watch Task Force. “The efforts of the Task Force resulted in the successful passage and enactment of Child Safety Zone laws in Putnam County, yet similar legislation has been stalled at the Westchester County level,” he said.
“Rather than waiting for the County to act, I have introduced legislation, along with Senator Ball, who sponsors the Senate version, to create Statewide Child Safety Zone laws,” Castelli continued.
Pennsylvania Rep. Justin Simmons said he plans to introduce legislation that would require school districts to consider the addresses of sex offenders when they plan bus stops.
Simmons became involved after hearing from Saucon Valley School District parents who are protesting a new bus stop that is located near the home of a registered sex offender. The school district changed the bus stop location out of concern for hazardous conditions during winter weather. After reviewing the new stop, the school district and board decided to leave it there, but these parents continue to attend board meetings asking for it to be moved again.
“It seems to contradict the safety issue by locating the new stop near the home of a registered sex offender,” Simmons said in a statement. “We must do everything we can to protect [children].”
The bill would change the state law that requires free transportation of students. Although the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must only consider road and traffic conditions when currently evaluating if a hazard exists, Simmons’ proposal would add as a consideration sex offenders living along the walking routes that students travel to reach bus stops.
“My amendment will require the state to reimburse the school district for any additional costs associated with a new walking route to the bus stop,” Simmons said.
