Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A bill that would make it a felony in Rhode Island for a convicted child molester to knowingly enter a playground, day-care center or school is headed to the state House of Representatives after it cleared the House Judiciary Committee Thursday.

The bill could reach the House floor as soon as Friday.

During the committee's hearing Tuesday, backers of the proposal said it is a needed protection for children while several others raised constitutional concerns.

The committee approved an amendment that makes an exception for someone to vote at a school that's being used as a polling place.

Bill sponsor Rep. Nicholas A. Mattiello, D-Cranston, has cited recent controversy over Harrington Hall homeless shelter in Cranston, where some sex offenders were staying, about a quarter-mile from a playground and a half-mile from a school.

Also going to the House is a bill by Rep. Peter Palumbo, D-Cranston, that would require landlords who register as sex offenders to disclose their status on leases.

 Tags  General Assembly legislation Providence RI sex offender

Comments

inquisitive said:

So a parent (mother or father) who fits this classification would be barred from parent-school visits? school concerts or games that their child might participate in? What is the difference between state parks and playgrounds? Would a person be able to go to scarborough beach with his family? Or walk the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor? The law seems overly broad and does raise some constitutional issues.

Link | June 27, 2009 9:09 PM
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