Official City Release

Council establishes 2,000-foot child safety zone

press releaseThursday, February 26, 2026Fort Worth Press Releases

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting registered sex offenders with child victims from residing within 2,000 feet of schools, parks, day-care facilities, and other locations where children commonly gather. Violators face fines of up to $500 per day.

3 key facts3 perspectives6 sections

Topics

public_safety

policy

Analysis

Overview

The City Council approved an ordinance barring registered sex offenders with child victims from residing within 2,000 feet of schools, parks, day-care facilities, and five other location types where children commonly gather.

Public Safety

The ordinance designates eight protected location types: schools, day-care facilities, parks, playgrounds, public swimming pools, youth centers, community centers, and public libraries.

Legal & Regulatory

The ordinance explicitly states it is not intended to impose additional punishment on sex offenders, a framing that reflects awareness of constitutional ex post facto concerns.

Insights by Role

Attorney

HighHigh significance — major decision, large financial impact, or broad community effectRegistrants currently residing within any of the eight restricted zones are potentially in violation as of the ordinance's effective date, with $500/day fines accruing. The retroactive application to existing registrants is the primary constitutional exposure point.

Journalist

MediumMedium significance — notable action worth trackingThe ordinance's explicit 'not additional punishment' language signals city awareness of constitutional vulnerability. A records request for the city's count of registrants currently within the restricted zones and any legal analysis supporting the ordinance's constitutionality would anchor a follow-up story.

Resident

LowLow significance — routine or procedural itemResidents near schools, parks, libraries, and the other protected location types may see changes in residential occupancy as registrants required to comply relocate. No resident action is required.

Source Text

Open source →

In an effort to further protect children from sexual abuse and predatory behavior, the City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance establishing safety zones around areas where children commonly gather.

Under the ordinance, sex offenders with child victims cannot establish a permanent or temporary residence within 2,000 feet of a school, day-care facility, park, playground, public swimming pool, youth center, community center or public library.

The ordinance applies to anyone required to register as a sex offender in the state database who had a child victim.

The City Council aims to reduce opportunities for contact between registered sex offenders and children by restricting where offenders can reside in relation to areas where children commonly gather. The ordinance is not intended to impose additional punishment on sex offenders, but to protect children and prevent future victimization.

Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500 per day.

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