SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A new law in California is changing how sexually violent predators are handled upon release.
Senate Bill 380, introduced by California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, has been signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and is effective immediately.
The legislation mandates the Department of State Hospitals to explore housing options for these predators in state-run transitional facilities, rather than releasing them into communities. This shift aims to enhance public safety.
“This bill’s signing is a big win for communities like mine that’ve been treated as dumping grounds for these violent predators and I thank the governor for recognizing this serious issue was in dire need of redress,” said Jones. He emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect the public by considering alternative housing solutions.
The bill has garnered support from local government, law enforcement, and victims’ advocacy groups. It follows a recommendation from the California State Auditor’s Office, which was previously ignored by the Department of State Hospitals until legislative action was taken.
“This new law is a battle won against a state agency that has repeatedly ignored calls from the public, elected officials and the state auditor to fix this very broken system,” Jones said. He stressed the importance of neighborhood safety and the need for immediate action.
Jones included an urgency clause in SB 380 to ensure it takes effect right away. “This is the definition of an urgent issue, and we need to get this solved now, not in January or some later date off into the future,” said Jones, highlighting the pressing nature of the issue.
With the law now in place, the Department of State Hospitals must promptly begin their investigation into suitable housing for sexually violent predators, aiming to prevent them from being released directly into communities.