Georgia Sex Offender Residence & Employment Restrictions

Convicted sex offenders are subjected to a number of restrictions even after they have completed their sentences. In addition to having to register as sex offenders (exposing their past crimes to the public and permitting authorities to monitor their whereabouts and other aspects of their lives), these offenders often face restrictions on where they can live and work.

The residence and employment restrictions imposed on each individual largely depend upon when their crime was committed. This is because Georgia's sex offender laws have evolved, with harsher restrictions generally enacted later. The following restrictions are based on Georgia state law (local ordinances may also apply).

Crimes Committed Before June 4, 2003

If the offender committed their crime before June 4, 2003, residence and employment restrictions will not apply to them.

Crimes Committed Between June 4, 2003 and June 30, 2006

If the offender committed their crime between June 4, 2003 and June 30, 2006, employment restrictions will not apply to them, but residence restrictions will apply, as follows:

The offender cannot live in a residence within 1,000 feet of any childcare facility, school, or area where minors congregate. This includes public and private parks and recreation centers, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, and similar facilities providing programs or services directed towards children.

Crimes Committed Between June 31, 2006 and June 30, 2008

If the offender committed their crime after June 30, 2006 and on or before June 30, 2008, residence and employment restrictions will apply to them as follows:

The offender cannot live in a residence within 1,000 feet of any childcare facility, school, church, public swimming pool, park, playground, recreation center, neighborhood center, gymnasium, skating rink, or school bus stop. (The restriction on living near school bus stops is being challenged in court.)

The offender cannot be employed at any childcare facility, school, or church, or at any entity located within 1000 feet of a childcare facility, school, or church.

Crimes Committed After June 30, 2008

If the offender committed their crime after June 30, 2008, residence and employment restrictions will apply to them as follows:

The offender cannot live in a residence within 1,000 feet of any childcare facility, school, church, community swimming pool, park, playground, recreation center, neighborhood center, gymnasium, skating rink, public library, or school bus stop. (The restriction on living near school bus stops is being challenged in court.)

The offender cannot be employed by or volunteer at any childcare facility, school, or church, or at any entity located within 1000 feet of a childcare facility, school, or church. (The ban against volunteering in church does not prevent participation in church activities, but prohibits working with children or doing jobs that would ordinarily be performed for compensation.)

If an offender is already living or working at a residence or establishment and a childcare facility, church, school, or other prohibited entity moves within 1000 feet of that establishment, the offender may petition to remain at their residence or workplace in certain circumstances