Woonsocket Radio News Room

Rhode Island General Assembly

Office of theHouse Minority Caucus

Rep Fascia’s Bill Protects School Children with Buffer Zone for Level 3 Sex Offenders

State House, Providence, RI – Freshman Rhode Island House Representative Richard Fascia (District 42 - Johnston/Cranston) introduced his first piece of legislation (H 5925), a bill that would establish a 300-foot buffer zone around schools for registered Level 3 sex offenders. This is consistent with other such sex offender statutes.

Fascia noted that a void was created by the Supreme Court last year when they struck down a previously established 1000-foot buffer as discriminatory for Level 3 sex offenders, but offered no alternative, thus creating a void in the law. This proposed bill will establish a 300-foot radius around schools, consistent with existing statutes that address Level 1 and 2 sex offenders, thus offering greater protection to Rhode Island children and their communities.

Offenders would not be able to establish residency within the zone or otherwise be within it. Violation of the new zone would be a felony.

"We cannot offer our children enough protection from these monsters,” said Fascia, a retired Providence Police Officer and security professional. “I look forward to this important bill passing through committee and moving to the House floor for a final vote.”

Fascia has contacted the Attorney General's Office for input and support.