Sex Offender Restrictions around Schools

A parent wrote to me this morning asking about restrictions on sex offenders in Virginia living near schools.

The Code of Virginia states:

§18.2-370.3. Sex offenses prohibiting residing in proximity to children; penalty.

Every adult who is convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2006, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim... shall be forever prohibited from residing within 500 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a child day center... or a primary, secondary, or high school. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.

There are several wrinkles to this so I recommend you read the entire section and consult with the Commonwealth's Attorney's office and Sheriff's office if you have questions about it. They are charged with enforcement, although LCPS is obviously responsible for child safety on school grounds.