This bill would ban sex offenders -- a group that includes lots of people who are no danger to kids (an 18-year-old has consensual sex with a 15-year-old 20 years ago, for example) -- from going to a public building where many activities that have nothing to do with children are being conducted. Adult basketball leagues in the gym at night, public tennis courts, political conventions and visiting ballet performances, just for a few examples. That makes no sense.

One impact not noted by cvllelaw is that many offenders will be prevented from attending their churches if a preschool operates there during the week.

It should be noted that in Virginia, many non-violent offenses have been reclassified in the past few years to be considered "sexually violent" even if there was never any contact with a child at all. Although Rob Bell argued last year that this bill applied to only "violent" offenders, this is simply not true and has had the effect of elevating many minor offenders to "sexually violent" status.

sorry, this one stinks too. what about the wrongfully convicted 'sexual predators' that have children. now they can't even go to their own kid's christmas programs??nope, too many people are getting 'over protective' by segrating others into the have's and 'should have nots'..

I think everyone else has said what I would have said. If these people have served their time and have been deemed by the courts not to be a threat to society (post probation, etc.), have proven their willingness to be rehabilitated, these laws could only have a negative effect.

This bill was heard in sub-committee 1/16. Despite testimony and delegate discussion about the fact that this bill would have serious negative impact on former offenders, it was reported to the Courts of Justice.

Issues included the following:
* Many churches have services in schools.
* Many/most churches provide child care during the week and are included in this bill.
* Community colleges often hold classes in schools.
* Many GED programs are held in schools.
* AA/NA meetings are often held in schools or in churches (that are off-limits because of the daycare issue)
* In rural communities, many organizations hold their meetings in schools
* Public community hearings are often held in schools
* A variety of non-school-related performances are given in schools

This bill will ban former offenders from access to education, church, rehabilitative services, and many community events. Testimony regarding the ineffectiveness of such laws was, as usual, disregarded.

What was appalling was that the delegate who talked the most about the variety of activities held in schools and the major impact it would have on former offenders STILL voted for it.

Rant over ...