Indy Standard

State Representative Ben Smaltz has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing protections against registered sex offenders and improving community safety. House Bill 1687, which recently passed the full House, is now under consideration by the Senate.

The bill seeks to strengthen probation requirements for sex offenders wishing to relocate to different counties. It introduces additional criteria for judges to evaluate before approving such transfers. These criteria include whether the offender has close relatives or employment opportunities in the new community and if they have stable living arrangements. According to Smaltz, these measures could prevent unchecked movements of sex offenders into communities where they might pose a heightened risk.

"Far too often we read discouraging headlines like 'man arrested, sex offender on the run, offender fails to register,'" said Smaltz. He highlighted that many offenders residing in Northeast Indiana are not originally from there. In Noble, Steuben, and DeKalb counties alone, 50% of the 296 registered sex offenders are from outside these communities.

Butler has the highest concentration of offenders within House District 52 in Northeast Indiana, with almost four times the per capita sex offender population compared to other areas in the district. Smaltz emphasized that ensuring safety and security remains one of his top priorities.

The legislation also stipulates that when a sex offender wants to move counties, both transferring and receiving county courts must authorize and approve the move explicitly. Furthermore, it restricts sexually violent predators and offenders against children from working in environments where they might have significant contact with children.

"Current Indiana law doesn't adequately address the public safety risks associated with sexual predators," said Smaltz. "Enough is enough. I am concerned about our sons and daughters who are being put at risk."

House Bill 1687 was unanimously approved by both the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee (13-0) and the full House (95-0).

For more information on registered sex and violent offenders or details about House Bill 1687, visit iga.in.gov.