ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago has a significant governmental interest in promoting and protecting the public safety and welfare of its children; and
WHEREAS, During the summer months, the Chicago Public Library serves as a customary gathering place for children; and
WHEREAS, Sexual offenders and sexual predators may attempt to victimize unsuspecting children in Chicago Public Libraries; and
WHEREAS, The potential risk of harm to children will be reduced if sexual offenders and sexual predators are prohibited from entering Chicago Public Libraries when children are most likely to be present there; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into this ordinance as if fully set forth herein and are hereby declared to be the findings of the City Council of the City of Chicago.
SECTION 2. Chapter 8-16 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by inserting a new Section 8-16-127, as follows:
8-16-127 Sexual offenders in Chicago Public Libraries - When prohibited.
Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any registered sex offender to enter or otherwise be present in the Chicago Public Library or any of its branches at any time during the summer.
Exception for voting. If the Chicago Public Library or any branch thereof is used as a polling place for an election, a registered sex offender may enter such library for the limited purpose of voting ifthe registered sex offender is eligible to vote at that polling place.
Definitions. As used in this section:
"Registered sex offender" means any person who is registered or required to be registered as a sex offender under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act or under any federal or other jurisdictional law.
"Summer" means the period beginning on June 1 and ending on August 31.
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