NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Starting this week, a new law will keep sex offenders farther away from places where children play.

Currently, there is no distance requirement that keeps convicted sex offenders away from daycares or public parks, but this law will change that.

There are already laws to restrict where convicted sex offenders can live, work and attend therapy.

Last year the state Legislature passed a law keeping convicted sex offenders 500 feet away from schools. The law came about after police noticed sex offenders hanging out near school property and staring at the children.

This year they expanded that measure to 1,000 feet. Starting Wednesday it will include daycares, playgrounds, recreation centers and athletic fields.

"There are so many kids in this country and in this state that are harmed by sick wackos. Anytime we can protect them and go on to lead a productive life without psychological harm or physical harm, we should do it," said Rep. Ryan Haynes, a Republican from Knoxville.

This law only applies when children are present, and a sex offender must be deliberately hanging out in the area.

There are exceptions for sex offenders who have a child at a school or daycare that allows them to pick up and drop off their children and attend parent-teacher conferences.