Sex offender bill clears House committee, though opponents say it’s unneeded

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill that would require registered sex offenders to notify public school officials before they enter schools has cleared a House committee. The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the bill Tuesday 10-4 and sent it on to the full House for debate. Republican Rep. Erik Simpson of Idaho Falls says the bill would require parents designated as sex offenders to notify school administrators if they want to be on school grounds for things like sporting events or meetings with teachers. The measure would give school officials the authority to grant, deny or restrict access to those individuals. Supporters say it would create more awareness of sex offenders in public schools. But detractors say it’s unnecessary because administrators already have the authority to set these guidelines.