Bill
HD 1315
Prohibits level 2–3 sex offenders from loitering within 500 feet of designated school bus stops; local bodies designate stops, triggers SORB reporting and penalties for violations.
Summary of Massachusetts Bill HD 1315
An Act relative to school bus stop safety
Overview
HD 1315 proposes a new provision to strengthen safety around school bus stops by restricting access for certain sex offenders. Specifically, the bill would add a new Section 47A to Chapter 265 of the General Laws, prohibiting certain registered sex offenders from loitering within 500 feet of designated school bus stops. Local governments (cities/towns/school districts) would designate these stops.
Key Provisions
- Prohibited conduct: A sex offender who is classified as a level 2 or level 3 offender and who remains within 500 feet of a designated school bus stop would be restricted from loitering.
- Loitering definition and exception: Loitering means remaining in the prohibited area for more than 15 minutes. A parent or legal guardian of a child who is scheduled to depart from or arrive at the bus stop may remain longer than 15 minutes, but only until the child has arrived or departed.
- Coverage: Applies as long as the offender is required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
- Penalties:
- First offense: $500 fine.
- Second offense: $1,000 fine, or imprisonment in a house of correction for up to 3 months, or both.
- Third or subsequent offenses: $1,500 fine and a sentence of not less than 3 months and not more than 2.5 years in a house of correction.
- Enforcement and reporting: Any violation triggers written notification to the Sex Offender Registry Board.
- Designation: The bill relies on each city, town, or school district to designate school bus stops as such.
Affected Parties and Impacts
- Primary: Level 2 and level 3 sex offenders subject to registration.
- Secondary: School-age children and their families, school districts and local governments, and law enforcement via SORB reporting.
- Potential impacts: Enhanced safety at school bus stops; possible increased enforcement and registry notifications; local authorities would need to designate and maintain lists of designated stops.
Implementation and Timeline
- The bill would insert a new section (Section 47A) into Chapter 265 upon enactment.
- The provisions take effect for offenders as long as they remain under registry obligations; designation of stops would be handled locally.
- The text reflects prior similar proposals in earlier sessions, indicating ongoing legislative interest in bus stop safety measures.
Notes
- Status shown as a proposed bill; the bill text indicates House and sponsor information and historical filing context.
- This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and likely practical implications for safety around school bus stops.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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