The Safe Shelters Act of 2025 would bar people required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry from using emergency shelters that are not designated for them during a disaster. They could enter an undesignated shelter to ask where a designated shelter is, but would have to immediately tell the shelter operator that they are required to register. The operator would have to provide information about designated shelters and the restriction.
The bill would let the Federal Emergency Management Agency designate certain available federal buildings or federal prisons as shelters for covered sex offenders during a disaster. The restriction and related penalty would take effect 180 days after enactment. A covered offender who knowingly violates the restriction or fails to notify the shelter operator could face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
If enacted, the bill would affect people required to register on the national sex offender registry who seek disaster shelter, as well as operators of disaster shelters. Covered individuals would need to use a designated shelter, except when entering another shelter to ask for information. Shelter operators would need to share information about designated shelters and the restriction.
The bill does not specify expenses or funding.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.