Fort Worth officials are considering new residency limits that would bar certain registered sex offenders from living near schools, parks, and other child-safety zones.
The proposal would bar offenders whose victims were under 17 from residing within 1,000 feet of designated areas such as playgrounds, public pools, and youth centers, according to city attorney Trey Qualls. Council member Charles Lauersdorf said he favors a stricter version.
“To those currently sitting in prison who may be getting out soon who are considering where they’re gonna move, I want Fort Worth to be the first city they cross off,” Lauersdorf said during an October 14 Public Safety Committee meeting, according to the Fort Worth Report.
City data show roughly 3,200 registered sex offenders live in Fort Worth. Of those, 2,454 had victims under 17, and 1,577 currently have no residency restrictions.
Lauersdorf said he wants the buffer extended to 2,000 feet, double the distance recommended by the state. “There’s times when we could do better than other (cities), and we can be the city that others look to,” he said.
Qualls told the committee that while state law allows local restrictions, the ordinance cannot “banish” offenders or force current residents to move. “An ordinance from Fort Worth could not be applied retroactively,” he said.
Council member Mia Hall expressed caution about expanding the distance. “It could create ‘hot spots’ of sex offenders living in low-income communities that might not have many nearby parks or schools,” Hall said.
Council member Elizabeth Beck agreed, warning about potential legal challenges. “We need to make sure we’re not having unintended consequences in a hastily applied crackdown,” she said.
Council member Carlos Flores said he wants the maximum protection for children but acknowledged that “a one-size-fits-all approach” could create problems for reintegrated offenders and law enforcement.
Other Texas cities have enacted similar measures. Dallas and Arlington impose 1,000-foot restrictions, while Keller enforces a 2,000-foot rule.
City staff will continue studying the proposal and present findings before the council votes on an ordinance.