Victoria City Council approves ordinance restricting sex offender residency near child areas

The Victoria City Council took a significant step towards enhancing child safety during its recent meeting, proposing an ordinance to restrict where convicted sex offenders can reside. Deputy Chief of Operations for the Victoria Police Department, Clay Fetters, presented the ordinance aimed at establishing child safety zones around areas where children gather, including parks, schools, and daycare centers.

Currently, there are no restrictions on where registered sex offenders can live once they are off parole or probation. Fetters highlighted a concerning trend, noting a 45% increase in registered sex offenders in the city from 2021 to 2024, with 92% of these offenders convicted of crimes involving minors. The proposed ordinance would create a 1,500-foot buffer zone around designated child safety areas, making it illegal for offenders with such convictions to establish residence within these zones.

Fetters emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, "We need this ordinance to protect our children." The council's discussion included the provision that current offenders living within these zones would be grandfathered in but would need to comply with the new regulations if they chose to move.

The ordinance aligns with similar laws in over 194 cities across Texas and is supported by court rulings that affirm its compatibility with state law. The council is expected to vote on the ordinance in the coming weeks, with plans to enhance public education and enforcement resources if adopted. This initiative marks a proactive approach by the City of Victoria to safeguard its youth and address community safety concerns.