CA Sex Offender Management Board Considering New Tiered Registry Bill

The California Sex Offender Management Board (CASOMB), a state organization, has begun consideration of a new tiered registry bill that would allow some, but not all, registered citizens to end their requirement to register in either 10 or 20 years. The bill would also allow most registered citizens who have been registered for 30 years or more and have not committed a subsequent sex offense to stop registering in the year 2017.

According to CASOMB, the draft bill would increase public safety by allowing law enforcement to focus resources upon individuals who pose a current danger. Although the draft bill was discussed during the CASOMB meeting, copies of the draft bill have not yet been made available to the public.

“The state’s current requirement to register all sex offenders for life is inefficient, expensive and constitutes punishment,” stated CA RSOL President Janice Bellucci.

The new tiered registry bill is the product of a working group that includes representatives from several government organizations, including the offices of the Los Angeles District Attorney and the California Department of Justice. The draft bill was discussed during the September 18 meeting of CASOMB, however, a decision whether to support the draft bill was delayed until the CASOMB meeting on October 28.

“It is important that the State of California adopt a tiered registry bill,” stated Bellucci. “California is 1 of only 4 states in the nation that does not have a tiered registry The remaining 46 states have a tiered registry and know that their citizens are safe with such a registry.”

Registered citizens, family members and supporters are encouraged to attend the CA SOMB meeting on October 28 in order to state their support for a tiered registry. The meeting is open to the public and members of the public are allowed, but not required, to speak up to 3 minutes. The CASOMB meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt hotel, 1 Market Place, Golden Hills AB Room, in San Diego, starting a 1 p.m.

 

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