Committee advances expanded residency and activity restrictions for certain registrants after contentious debate

Representative Plaikin presented PCS for CSHB45 to the Judiciary Committee, saying the measure seeks to "create a safer environment for children" by adding public swimming pools to the 1,000-foot residency list and imposing restrictions on working, volunteering, visiting, loitering, contacting or being unlawfully present at sites where children gather.

The committee adopted a technical amendment requested by FDLE to add a citation; the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Supporters on the appearance list included law-enforcement groups and sheriffs' offices; opponents and family members spoke in opposition.

Anne Salomon, identified in committee as an engineer and businesswoman, urged members to "vote on the side of data," argued residency bans reach "more than 20,000 people," and said, "Statements that residency bans reduce the risk to children are based on emotion, not evidence." Francine Richmond delivered a personal account urging compassion and warning about lifelong collateral consequences for registrants and their families.

Members were divided. Representative Steele said he supported the bill overall but suggested age-based adjustments; Ranking member Gottlieb said the bill as drafted was overly broad and would make it nearly impossible for many registrants to live in dense counties. Representative Porras argued the bill did not go far enough and urged stricter restrictions. Representative Plaikin closed by noting petition routes for Romeo-and-Juliet cases and stakeholder input from FDLE and sheriffs.

The committee reported PCS for CSHB45 favorably as amended by a roll-call vote of 13 yeas and 3 nays. The bill will move to the floor with the technical amendment in place.