CA: Tiered Registry Bill Passed by Assembly Committee
The Tiered Registry Bill (Senate Bill 421) was passed today by the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee. The final vote on the bill was 5 in favor (Chairman Jones Sawyer as well as committee members Rubio, Quirk, Santiago and Gonzalez-Fletcher), one opposed (Lackey) and one who did not vote (Flora).
During deliberations on the bill, the bill’s author (Senator Scott Wiener) stated the reform of the state’s sex offender registry “is long overdue”. He added that the registry was originally meant to be a tool of law enforcement. Law enforcement now believes that this tool is no longer effective because it includes too many people. Sen. Wiener also noted that there is a broad coalition of support, including law enforcement and district attorneys, for reformation of the registry. Further, Sen. Wiener stated that the registry has resulted in significant negative impacts upon both registrants and their families on issues such as housing and employment.
Two district attorneys testified in support of SB 421. Nancy O’Malley, the Alameda County DA, stated that SB 421 is a “very strong public safety bill” and urged members of the committee to vote in its favor. Jackie Lacey, the L.A. County DA, thanked Sen. Wiener for his leadership as author of the bill. She noted that the Tiered Registry Bill will help law enforcement keep better track of sexual predators.
Following the testimony of the two district attorneys, more than 75 people spoke in favor of the Tiered Registry Bill. Most of those individuals were registrants or family members of registrants.
“This is a significant victory for registrants and their loved ones,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “We are now very close to obtaining freedom from the registry for many people who do not pose a current danger.”
The Tiered Registry Bill will next be heard by the Appropriations Committee and if the bill is passed by that committee, it will be voted on by members of the Assembly between September 5 and September 15.
I forwarded this information to Governor Scott. He needs to be made aware of what is going on around the nation concerning RSO’s.
Thank you Charles, there should be a petition for strong evidence of positive change. Florida is unfortunately not well educated and comes increased ignorance.
@Capt Charles Munsey Jr. USN (Ret)
Like that FH is going to listen.
Rick Scott will be running for Senate…which will poison any efforts we have in legislature if he is elected. I agree we have to always keep the lines of communication open…I call up there every few wks and sent snail mail…to my representatives…..
Treasure Coast: Posey, Rubio, Nelson.
What a great day it will be for the state of Florida when this happens here.
Hope it happens before the state is underwater due to global warming!
So I am NOT holding my breath and change like this will not happen without educating the public in the state and reaching a point of critical mass.
In the case of California at least some logic was used. Clearly a bloated listing with decades old crimes and individuals who clearly should not be listed and yet have no way off. The watered down effect is a totally useless mess. Which even the low IQ general population of Florida should be able to understand.
So if this is spun the California changes the right way and do so immediately while the momentum is gaining across the country it could work in Florida!
Those of us who are forced to be on the list for no good reason need to “come out” just as gays did when fighting for equality. You would be surprised how people can be understanding and most are shocked to find that after decades and even involved in victimless “crimes” people that they know are listed…at least here in California!
Now clearly in Florida where education is not really given much value, it is an uphill battle.
Myths such as the childish “stranger danger” BS need to be attacked and exposed as the lies they are. Want to protect your kid? Be a good parent. Simple as that. Watch them. No list of old “criminals” is going to do shit for them. It only will divert attention to the fact that most sexual issues with kids are done by other kids (whom they know) and adults who they know.
Parents – Listen UP:
1. Being molested by a total stranger is like winning the lottery. Really statistically unlikely.
2. Being molested by someone they know. Highly likely.
Oh, and parents…Those people are NOT on an old list but why should they be…You Already Know Them!
SexOffenderTruth.com
I’m happy to see progress in California. Sadly, the changes are happening not due to a perception that people are being treated unfairly, but instead because the existing system is too expensive financially and too much of a strain on public workers.
To admit that the vast majority of registrants pose no threat to public safety would be admitting that they have waisted money and time since the registries inception not to mention ruined hundreds of thousands of lives
FAC,
will moving to California if this does pass be to an advantage to registrants here with no contact victimless offenses?
Or do Florida restrictions still follow u?
Just looking for best quality of life at this point…
Moving to a state that has more manageable restrictions will make things easier. For example; moving to a state without residency restrictions will alleviate housing issues.
What great news. Correct me if I’m wrong here. My crime was comitted in CA. I’m a registered here in Florida where I live if this passes would Florida have honor CA. new ruling. For Christmas sake crime is over 20 years not even a speeding ticket since than.
No – if you live in FL you would have to abide by the Florida laws.
@lee C
Perfect comment, It’s time for our family’s to vote rick scott out of office!!!
He is out anyway because of term limits