NE - Hastings drafts new ordinance for sex offenders

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Hastings is pushing to pass new rules increasing restrictions on sex offenders. Soon, any sexual predator could be restricted from living 500 feet of a school or daycare.

Previously the 500 feet restriction only applied to sex offenders that the state had deemed the most dangerous, that were put in the highest level of the sex offender register.

Now, the state disbanded that old sex offender classification system so now the city has been trying to pass a new sex offender law to mirror the state's new classification system.

City leaders had been thinking of drafting this ordinance earlier this year, but there was word that state was going to take action that action never came, so city leaders are taking the initiative and once again aiming to pass an ordinance.

There are 55 registered sex offenders living in Hastings, according to the Nebraska State Patrol sex offender registry.

It's a place where parents, grandparents, adults can monitor if any are living in their neighborhood.

"I'll be honest, I haven't checked for a while," said Jackie Zeckser.

Zeckser lives in a neighborhood with a playground to their east and an elementary school to the south.

And though she's not sure if there's a sex offender living in proximity Zeckser said its safe - safe enough that she often takes strolls with her grandson, Grady.

City leaders want to make even safer, by passing an ordinance that should prohibit any registered sex offender from living 500 feet near a school or daycare.

"It's important that you send a message. We're a fairly safe community and we want that sense of safety," said Hastings Police Chief Larry Thoren.

Of course the ordinance will have an exeption. If a certain sex offender has lived in the home before 2006 they may not be asked to move.

And at this point, law enforcement is not sure how many of the 55 registered sex offenders would be affected if the ordinance passed.

"We'll have to do some investigation and work with the county sheriff's office on determining who would be restricted by the ordinance if it does pass," said Thoren.

Police also said there is already an ordinance in place that prohibits child sex offenders -- even those not in the registry -- from loitering 300 feet near a school, daycare or park.

The new city ordinance would just add to the overall sense of community safety.

Jackie Zeckser said she appreciates any of those laws that keeps her or any of her grandchildren or children in her neighborhood a victim of a sexual offense.

"I think that strikes a nerve in anyone, when we think of an offense against a child. That is right there and we all want to protect our children and do anything we cant to protect them," said Zeckser.

The ordinance has been sent to the city attorney for review. City leaders anticipate having it discussed again next month.

"sex offender" "sexual offender" Hastings Nebraska Residency Predator "sex crime" "sexual crime" Punishment School Daycare Restrictions

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• sexual offender
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• Predator
• sex crime
• sexual crime
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• Daycare
• Restrictions

[kustomhead]

Well you know that if a sex offender dosn't live 500 ft. from a park or school, that one will never be able to drive to them.How stupid are the sheep of modern times? I have a sex offender living about 60 feet from my house and another living about 100 ft. And I don't give them a thought. My daughter is safe because we parent her and watch her ourselves,not hopeing the lawmakers protect her. How about protecting the kids from drunk drivers and drug addicts that will kill u for 20$ 4 drugs?