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HB 3087

Relating to the authority of a county to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in the unincorporated area of the county; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 13 co-sponsors

HB 3087 authorizes Texas counties to restrict registered sex offenders from designated child safety zones in unincorporated areas with criminal penalties for violations.

Committee report sent to Calendars
#childsafetyzones(s0282) #countygovernment--general(i0096) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #playgrounds&playgroundsafety(s0434) #sexualoffenders(s0099)
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Bill Summary · HB 3087

Legislative bill overview

HB 3087 would grant Texas counties the authority to establish and enforce restrictions on registered sex offenders in "child safety zones" within unincorporated county areas. The bill creates criminal penalties for sex offenders who violate these county-imposed restrictions, expanding local government's ability to regulate sex offender residency and presence beyond current state law.

Why is this important

Sex offender residency restrictions significantly affect where registered individuals can live and work, with direct consequences for public safety planning, law enforcement resources, and offender reentry. This bill shifts regulatory authority to the county level, potentially creating a patchwork of different restrictions across Texas and raising questions about consistency, enforceability, and constitutional protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope of "child safety zones": The bill's effectiveness depends on how narrowly or broadly counties define these zones—overly broad definitions could severely limit offender housing options and face legal challenges
  • Constitutional due process concerns: Residency restrictions have faced legal challenges regarding vagueness, equal protection, and ex post facto issues; county-level variations may create additional legal vulnerabilities
  • Enforcement consistency and resources: Unincorporated areas have limited enforcement capacity compared to cities; questions about whether counties can adequately monitor compliance and what crimes result from violations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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