HB1437
To Prohibit A Person Required To Register As A Sex Offender From Entering A Water Park, Swimming Area, Or Children's Playground Of A Public Park.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend existing Arkansas law concerning registered sex offenders and their access to certain public recreational areas. Specifically, it seeks to repeal Section 5-14-133, which prohibits Level 3 and Level 4 registered sex offenders from entering water parks owned or operated by local governments. The bill then amends Section 5-14-134 to expand the prohibition. The amended section would make it unlawful for Level 3 and Level 4 registered sex offenders to knowingly enter within one hundred feet of a water park, swimming area, or children's playground contained within any public park, regardless of whether it is owned by the state, a county, or a city. This includes certain privately owned land with public easements used as part of public park systems. The definition of "public park" is broadened to encompass a wider range of state and local recreational facilities. A violation of these provisions would remain a Class D felony.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be children and the general public who frequent public parks. The bill aims to enhance the perceived safety and security of areas designated for children's recreation, such as water parks, swimming areas, and playgrounds. Parents and guardians may feel more secure knowing that individuals assessed as Level 3 or Level 4 sex offenders are prohibited from being in close proximity to these facilities, thereby potentially increasing public use and enjoyment of these spaces.
Who Might Suffer?
The individuals most directly and negatively impacted by this bill are persons required to register as sex offenders, specifically those assessed as Level 3 or Level 4 offenders. This bill significantly expands the geographical restrictions placed upon them by prohibiting their presence within one hundred feet of a broader range of public recreational areas, including all public parks with water parks, swimming areas, or children's playgrounds. This expansion could further limit their ability to engage in everyday activities and access public spaces, potentially impacting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.