Oregon Legislator Seeks to Limit Where Paroled Sex Offenders Can Live

Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) says paroled sex offenders should not reside in communities without 24/7 police protection.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) on Monday led House Republicans in urging action on HB 2861, the bill to prohibit paroled sex offenders from residing in communities without 24/7 police protection.

He called for an immediate vote on the bill because Democratic leadership had allowed it to die in the House Judiciary Committee.

While a 29-23 majority supported withdrawing HB 2861 from the Judiciary Committee, the bill fell two votes shy of getting a Floor vote.

"As both a rural legislator and concerned citizen, I am extremely disappointed that our legislative body failed to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Rep. Girod said after the vote.

“HB 2861 provides a vital layer of protection for rural communities which all too often lack adequate law enforcement coverage.”

Rep. Girod introduced the bill at the request of Gates, a rural community of 500 that lacks the resources to protect citizens from paroled sex offenders.

He said the bill is a starting point for a broader discussion on policies to protect Oregonians who are vulnerable to sexual offenses.

“HB 2861 assures that paroled sex offenders are placed in areas where law enforcement protection is always available,” Rep. Girod said. “The bill is an important step toward protecting rural communities that can’t afford 24/7 coverage.”