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HB 26

School Behavioral Mental Health Support Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 2 co-sponsors

HB 26 imposes stricter restrictions on adult sex offenders, especially those with child victims, enhancing public safety through mandatory treatment and monitoring.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 26

Summary of HB 26: Restrictions for Certain Sex Offenders

Bill Number: HB 26
Title: Sex offenders; restrictions for certain sex offenders further provided, Board of Pardons and Paroles authorized to adopt rules
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Introduced: August 11, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

HB 26 aims to enhance the management and monitoring of adult sex offenders, particularly those convicted of offenses involving children. The bill seeks to impose stricter restrictions on these offenders as a means to protect the public and ensure compliance with rehabilitation requirements.

Key Provisions

  1. Restrictions on Electronic Media and Post Office Box Use:

    • Parole or probation officers can restrict adult sex offenders convicted of child-related offenses from using post office boxes or possessing electronic media (e.g., computers, tablets, gaming systems, smartphones) that provide internet access.

  2. Mandatory Treatment Requirements:

    • The Board of Pardons and Paroles or a court may require offenders to participate in sex offender treatment programs as a condition of their release. This treatment may include periodic polygraph examinations to monitor compliance and progress.

  3. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

    • Offenders who knowingly violate the imposed restrictions or fail to participate in required treatment will be guilty of a Class C felony, which carries significant legal consequences.

  4. Implementation Rules:

    • The Director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles is authorized to adopt rules necessary for the implementation of the treatment provisions outlined in the bill.

  5. Financial Responsibility for Treatment:

    • Offenders required to undergo treatment will be responsible for the associated costs unless they are deemed indigent. The Board will assess the offender's financial capability to determine payment amounts.

  6. Polygraph Examination Standards:

    • Polygraph examinations must be conducted by licensed professionals certified in post-conviction sex offender testing, with a minimum of two examinations required per year.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The bill primarily affects adult sex offenders, particularly those convicted of offenses involving children. It also impacts parole and probation officers, treatment providers, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

  • Public Safety: By imposing stricter regulations and treatment requirements, the bill aims to enhance community safety and reduce recidivism among sex offenders.

Procedural Timeline

  • August 11, 2025: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2026: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
  • October 1, 2026: Proposed effective date for the provisions of the bill.

This summary provides an overview of HB 26, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on individuals and the community.

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

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