After learning convicted sex offenders were living in a West Hempstead motel near a school, some parents are backing a new bill that would put tighter restrictions on offender residence.

The Capri Motor Inn has been dubbed the Bates Motel by several lawmakers for allowing sex offenders to live there. However, parents say the real issue is the motel?s location. It sits about a half mile from several elementary schools. The mothers also say no one knew about the offenders.

The new bill proposed by several state lawmakers would restrict level 2 and 3 sex offenders from living in hotels and motels within 3,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, day care facilities, senior centers and places of worship. ?Bottom line is that [we] don?t want them in close proximity to our seniors and our kids,? Assemblyman Tom Alfano (R-Elmont) said.

Meanwhile, the motel?s office manager said the facility has no way of knowing who is a danger to the community. However, the manager said when the motel found out two weeks ago about the three sex offenders, he asked them to leave.

The proposed bill still needs to be approved by the Legislature and the governor.