Bastrop adds grandfather clause, appeals process to new sex offender restrictions

BASTROP — City Council narrowly approved the first reading of an ordinance expanding work restrictions on certain convicted sex offenders, capping weeks of debate over how the rules should be written.

Council voted 3-2 June 9 in favor of the amendment, which builds on an existing ordinance barring sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of places where children gather. The new rules would extend that restriction to employment for offenders classified as moderate or high risk of reoffending whose convictions involved a minor victim.

“Reclusion zones are modern-day banishment,” Resident David Chamber said during public comment. “The ordinance before you restricts where people may live, work and be present in the community. Calling those restrictions non-punitive does not change their practical effect.”