State Rep. wants to keep school bus stops away from sex offenders’ homes

State Rep. Sonya Anderson hopes to better protect young people by ensuring school bus stops are not located within 500 feet of the residence of a registered sexual offender. Anderson said her legislation, HB 2606, is meant to address a problem brought to her attention by a constituent, who found his children were waiting at a school bus stop located in front of the home of a registered sexual offender.

“For the safety of our young people, and the peace of mind of families across the state, it’s imperative that we change state law to make it clear that school bus stops cannot be located near individuals who could do our children harm,” said Anderson, R-Springfield.

She added, “I was surprised to find out that we have no laws to address this issue, and that schools across the state have no consistent policies in place. It’s time to ensure our young people are not placed in danger while waiting for the school bus each day.”

Anderson’s bill would make it clear that no school bus stop can be placed within 500 feet of the residence of an individual registered as a sexual offender. In the event the school could not find an alternative bus stop, the bill would require the school to notify parents of children who use the bus stop that a sexual offender resides within 500 feet of the bus stop.

The legislation now awaits assignment to committee for further discussion.