State lawmakers have proposed legislation that would prohibit certain sex offenders from loitering within 1,000 ft. of a daycare facility, school, or residence of a victim.
Loitering, as defined in House Bill 2025, refers to lingering or being idle without lawful purpose in an area.
Lead sponsor Delegate Gary Howell, R-Mineral, introduced the bill Jan. 14. After revisions were made in committee, the House passed the bill Jan. 23 and then sent it to the Senate.
Republican Delegates John Shott, Danny Hamrick , William Romine, Kelly Sobonya, Paul Espinosa, Carol Miller, Ryan Weld, Joe Statler, Brian Kurcaba and Ray Canterbury sponsored the bill.
Delegate William Romine, R-Tyler, said the bill had no reason to be opposed.
“It’s kind of a no brainer bill,” Romine said.  “If you’re a predator or an offender, unless you had to pass within a thousand feet to get to work or see your dear mother, there’s no other reason to be within a thousand feet of a school. “
Romine is on the Education and Energy Committee for the House of Delegates and is a retired educator. His educational experience includes being a classroom teacher, a junior high principal and an assistant superintendent in Tyler County.
The code being amended, already bars individuals convicted of a sexually violent crime involving children from living in the same household with anyone under 16-years-old, excluding the individual’s own children, grandchildren and stepchildren.
Jeanette Barker, executive director of Playmates Child Development Centers said the amendments to the bill would provide the safety that Huntington’s children deserve.

“It is the responsibility of every community and our legislatures and other leaders to make the amendments to protect our children,” Barker said. “We need this amendment to better protect our children from sex offenders.”
Barker said her position at playmates makes this particular piece of legislation significant.
“As Executive Director of Playmates Child Development centers, I work with over 2000 children and their families annually,” Barker said. “These are our most vulnerable population and many children have suffered from abuse. It is time as a community we step up to prevent sex offenders from having easy access to our children.”
HB 2025 was introduced to the Senate Jan. 26 and has been sent to Senate Judiciary for further review.
Lexi Browning can be contacted at [email protected].