(Texas Scorecard) – The lone conservative member of the Austin City Council is taking advantage of a state law to protect children near schools.
Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly is the lead sponsor for item 46 on Thursday’s Austin City Council agenda. The measure would begin a process to establish “child safety zones” around “premises where children commonly gather” to keep registered sex offenders away.
Councilmembers Allison Alter, Natasha Harper-Madison, and Ryan Alter are co-sponsoring the item.
Thursday’s vote is the first step in a multi-month process.
The measure is primarily intended to cover schools (both public and private) but could conceivably cover parks and other locations. The item’s draft resolution directs the city manager to work with the police department and local school districts to hammer out a final resolution.
If successful, the city manager would report back to the city council, who would then vote on a final ordinance in March of next year.
Sex offenders have absolutely no place near our children. On October 24th, I’m bringing forward an item to increase the minimum distance they must stay away from child safety zones. We must do everything possible to protect our kids.
Read my proposed policy here:…
— Mackenzie Kelly (@mkelly007) October 17, 2024
Austinites who wish to provide feedback on the proposed ordinance may contact their council member, or they can attend this Thursday’s council meeting to testify in person.
Kelly is up for re-election this fall.