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Heartland holds first reading of ordinance to change residency restrictions for certain offenders; trustees ask about legal defensibility
Summary
The board conducted a first reading of ordinance 11242025 to amend section 66‑12 of the village code regulating residency restrictions for certain offenders; trustees raised potential litigation risk, debated buffer distances and directed staff to consult the village attorney before a second reading.
The Village Board held a first reading of ordinance 11242025 on Nov. 24 to amend section 66‑12 of the Village of Hartland code, which governs residency restrictions for specified offenders.
Staff provided maps and said the ordinance would return for a second reading; trustees discussed possible buffer distances (comments referred to ranges from 100 feet up to 2,000 feet) and expressed concern about legal challenges. Several trustees said expanding the buffer would reduce housing options and might increase the risk of successful lawsuits; staff and the chief explained that any change would be prospective and could not be applied retroactively to current residents. The board asked staff to consult further with village legal counsel and to bring options and legal analysis to a subsequent meeting.
Ending: The ordinance remains at first reading; staff will obtain attorney guidance and additional analysis for the second reading and potential adoption.
