We wrote recently concerning Colorado House Democrats voting unanimously in committee to kill a bill that would’ve required sex offenders in that state to register all of their email addresses and IM screen names with state or regulatory authorities.  It was a good bill, so good in fact a committee in the Republican-controlled Florida House voted a similar measure out of committee and onto the floor for consideration, and hopefully passage and ultimate approval from the Governor.  In Virginia, similar legislation is on track for approval by the Republican-controlled legislature.

In the meantime, Colorado’s House Republicans have introduced a bill to keep sex offenders away from kids – be it at school, daycare, or on a playground.

According to Denver’s CBS 4, Representative David Balmer-R says he wants to “…tighten restrictions for convicted sex offenders. He's sponsoring house bill 1179, which would prohibit convicted sex offenders from living or working within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare center or playground.”

If passed, Balmer’s bill would impose restrictions on how close sex offenders could live and work to places where children gather.  This makes sense – keep them away from situations that might provoke them to commit another crime.

Opponents of the bill in Colorado say it does nothing to protect children and only provides a false sense of security.  If that is so, why do we have gun-free, drug-free and gang-free zones in communities around the country?

It’s safe to say that most people understand that NO law will keep every sexual predator away from children.   The Colorado House Democrats just don’t get it that every bill like this that becomes law places one more obstacle in the predator’s way from preying on vulnerable children.  And more importantly, laws like this come with penalties attached, so if a sex offender is caught breaking this law, away they go to prison where they can’t ensnare any children. 

If Democrats and their allies in Colorado aren’t careful, they could create the perception to sex offenders across the country that Colorado is a safe haven.  Think it doesn’t happen?  Take a look at Wyoming where 56% of the states sex offenders moved there after being convicted in another state.  Why?  Perhaps because Wyoming does not require individuals convicted of indecent exposure or sexual battery to register as sex offenders.  And, released “low- and medium-risk” offenders are not listed on the state’s registry website. …While other states often prohibit sex offenders from living near schools, daycare centers or other places with children, Wyoming has no such laws.

“They can live right next to a school if they want to. They can live in a home with children if they want to,” said Laramie County sheriff's Sgt. Linda Gesell. (Arizona Daily Star)

The Wyoming legislature is taking steps to protect its children – hopefully the Democrat controlled Colorado House and Senate will follow their Republican colleagues and do the same.