Sex offender; prohibiting entry onto school property of those that are violent, exceptions. (HB227)
Introduced By
Del. Vivian Watts (D-Annandale)
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Sex offenses prohibiting entry onto school property. Provides that for every adult who is prohibited from entering upon school or child day center property by reason of his status as a violent sex offender, the court may consider objections to his petition for entry onto school property made by the attorney for the Commonwealth and either (i) the proprietor of the child day center, (ii) the superintendent of public instruction of the school division in which the school is located, or (iii) the chief administrator of the school, all of whom receive notice, under current law, of the petition. The bill also limits such a petition to the circuit court of the locality, whereas under current law the petition may also be made to the district court. The bill also specifically provides for the court to consider the duration of the attendance of the child of an offender at the school or child day center when issuing an order allowing the offender to enter such property. View Full Text »
Comments
The amendments in this Bill can only be viewed as an attempt to create a public spectacle of each and every petitioner’s rights as allowed by law. This bill as written would create a situation wherein a public hearing would be posted each and every time a true need was demonstrated by the petitioner. It would allow for an angry mob mentality where the petitioner could be harangued by every other person present.
The existing statute is good and works as designed.
Del. Watts seems unaware of the Virginia Supreme Court's ruling on this statute in September 2009:
It doesn't matter what terms or conditions the court defines, as the decision belongs to the local school board.
Commonwealth, et al. v. John Doe.
http://www.courts.state.va.us/opinions/opnscvwp/1081691.pdf
This bill doesn't address the VA Supreme's Court's decision. As is or amended with Del. Watts' changes, the statute is a key part of a labyrinth intent on keeping offenders from being involved in their children's education. (Or, alternately, ensuring that children of offenders do not attend public schools.)
Its good to know drug dealers are still allowed on school grounds, My hats off To Del Watts for protecting are kids drug suppliers. I'm not surprised watts got re-elected, most of the people living there don't fully understand english.
You're not doing so well with English yourself there, Stephen.