Jackson effort to protect children from sex offenders approved in Indiana House

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Carolyn B. Jackson (D-Hammond) today succeeded in her efforts to provide greater protections for children against sexual predators.

Jackson’s proposal will make it a felony for a sex offender to live within 1,000 feet of a licensed child care facility in Indiana. The amendment is part of Senate Bill 258.

“My amendment simply extends protections that already exist in state law,” Jackson said. “Sex offenders already are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of school property, a youth program center, or a public park. It only makes sense to have the same protections for children in a child care facility. I believe you can certainly argue that these facilities care for younger children than any of the other places already covered in state law. Why shouldn’t they have the same protections?”

Jackson’s efforts to protect children began before her time in the Indiana House. She worked as a juvenile officer with an emphasis on protecting and preserving the rights of children.

“I have seen the impact that these horrible crimes can have upon children, and I should think that we must take every step possible to protect them,” Jackson said. “I will not accept anything less than our strongest effort to keep them safe.”