By Bob Katzen

Legislation that would prohibit individuals who have been classified as a Level 3 sex offender from renting, residing or otherwise occupying a single-family dwelling or a unit in a multi-family dwelling with another level 3 sex offender, unless they are legally related by consanguinity, affinity or adoption, was one of the bills before the Judiciary Committee.

Violators would be subject to a $1,000 fine and/or up to a 2.5-year prison sentence.

“Individuals classified as Level 3 sex offenders have committed serious crimes and pose a significant threat of reoffending in the future,” said sponsor House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Having two or more dangerous sex offenders residing together can create an extremely volatile situation that makes it even more likely they will reoffend. By preventing these individuals from living together, we can protect the public by minimizing their ability to potentially work in concert to reoffend.”