A proposed ordinance aimed at enhancing child safety took center stage during the City of Victoria's Special City Council Meeting on March 9, 2025. The ordinance seeks to restrict where convicted sex offenders, particularly those with crimes involving minors, can reside within the city limits.

Currently, there are no regulations preventing these offenders from living near schools or other areas where children gather. The proposed measure would establish child safety zones extending 1,500 feet around parks, schools, daycare centers, and similar locations. Offenders convicted of crimes against minors would be prohibited from establishing temporary or permanent residences within these designated zones.

The urgency for this ordinance is underscored by a significant rise in registered sex offenders in Victoria, with a 45% increase reported from 2021 to 2024. City officials emphasized that the primary goal of the ordinance is to protect children and ensure their safety in the community.

As discussions continue, the council is expected to weigh the implications of this ordinance and its potential impact on public safety in Victoria.