CONGRESSWOMAN NANCY MACE INTRODUCES THE 'SAFE SHELTERS ACT OF 2024' TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS

(WASHINGTON, D.C., December 12th, 2024)- Rep. Nancy Mace, a survivor and advocate for women, is pushing the Safe Shelters Act to bar registered sex offenders from emergency shelters shared with women and children during disasters.

This bill has been cosponsored by Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Van Drew, Weber and Boebert.

The bill builds upon policies in Florida counties like Flagler and Marion which require sex offenders to evacuate to separate facilities or dedicated shelters. Mace's bill:

• Prohibits sex offenders from entering undesignated emergency shelters
• Requires immediate notification to shelter operators of sex offender registration status
• Allows FEMA to designate specific shelters for registered sex offenders
• Establishes federal penalties for non-compliance, including potential fines and imprisonment

"In times of crisis, shelters must be sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for predators," said Rep. Nancy Mace. "Women and girls are 3.5 times more likely to experience sexual violence in chaotic, post-disaster environments. Women and children deserve safety, protection, and peace of mind. Our bill will make sure disaster shelters remain a place of refuge for those in their most vulnerable state."

"Women and children should never face the risk of being exposed to sex offenders in emergency shelters. While providing shelter during emergencies is essential, these places should be free from other dangers," said Rep. Luna. "FEMA must establish emergency shelters that restrict access to sexual predators. I am proud to co-sponsor this critical legislation protecting vulnerable disaster victims from any potential further harm. Our emergency shelters should be safe, secure, and free from harm for all who seek refuge."

Read the full bill here.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

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