Virginia sex offender bill wrongly ignored as Richmond session ends: lawmaker
Virginia Republican lawmaker Delegate Kim Taylor is speaking out against Democratic leaders in Richmond for allegedly dismissing her proposed legislation aimed at protecting the public from sexual offenders and individuals deemed dangerous to children. Taylor, who represents a district that leans heavily Democratic, emphasized that the safety of communities should not be a partisan issue.
Her bill, HB 2527, sought to prohibit most sex offenders from loitering in areas where they would be in close proximity to children, such as schools, playgrounds, and daycares. However, the bill was quietly terminated without being heard or voted on, as the legislative session came to an end. Taylor expressed her disappointment, stating that Democrats have consistently failed to prioritize the safety of women and children over political considerations.
Delegate Wren Williams, who co-sponsored Taylor’s bill, criticized Democrats for jeopardizing the safety of women and girls by refusing to support common-sense legislation. He highlighted the case of Richard Kenneth Cox, a serial flasher with a history of indecent exposure charges, as a clear example of the urgent need for stricter regulations on sex offenders in public spaces.
Williams accused Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano of prioritizing ideology over community well-being, citing the dismissal of charges against Cox. He emphasized that legislation like Taylor’s bill is essential to prevent individuals like Cox from freely entering spaces like girls’ locker rooms.
In response to the criticism, Descano’s office explained that prosecutors are not involved in cases that are pro se misdemeanors. However, the decision not to prosecute Cox for indecent exposure was deemed unusual by a local attorney. Despite the controversy surrounding the case, Fairfax Board Chairman Jeffrey McKay reportedly acknowledged the potential benefits of Taylor’s proposed legislation.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell pushed back against the criticism, suggesting that the bill had no relevance to local parks or recreational facilities. He proposed a focus on policies regarding dressing room access as a more practical approach to addressing safety concerns.
Overall, the debate over Delegate Kim Taylor’s bill highlights the ongoing tensions between Republicans and Democrats in Virginia regarding the protection of vulnerable populations from sexual offenders. The failure to pass this legislation has raised questions about the priorities of lawmakers and their commitment to public safety.
