The Problem with the 1,000-Foot Rule

Indiana’s current law only prohibits registered "offenders against children" from living within 1,000 feet of a school. In reality, 1,000 feet is less than a five-minute walk—roughly two city blocks. This outdated buffer zone means high-risk predators can legally live directly on the daily walking routes, bike paths, and bus stops utilized by elementary and middle school students every single day.

Why a One-Mile Minimum is Essential

The Realistic Walking Boundary: A standard school walk-zone spans up to one mile. By limiting restrictions to 1,000 feet, the state forces young children to navigate neighborhoods where offenders reside just outside the school fence line.

Proactive Prevention Over Proximity: Child safety shouldn't be measured in inches. A one-mile buffer creates a meaningful, defensive perimeter that ensures school commutes, playground boundaries, and after-school sports fields remain genuinely secure zones.

Consistency in the Law: Indiana already enforces a one-mile restriction regarding an offender’s proximity to their specific victim's home. Extending this same logic to public schools recognizes that our schools represent a collective concentration of vulnerable children who deserve identical protections.

Our Demand to the Indiana General Assembly

We, the undersigned residents of Indiana, petition our State Representatives and Senators to amend Indiana Code § 35-42-4-11. We demand that the state-mandated residency restriction for offenders against children be increased from 1,000 feet to a minimum of one mile (5,280 feet) from all school properties, parks, and youth facilities.

Our current laws are reactive. It is time to create proactive boundaries that put the safety of Indiana’s children first. Sign this petition to demand stronger protections for our communities.