Sen. Jones’ Bill on Predator Placement Clears Committee

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Today, the Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously approved Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones’s (R-San Diego) bipartisan Senate Bill 1074, called the “Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act” (SAFE Act). Click here for SB 1074 the factsheet and here for more information about the bill and SVP issue.

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A Unified Front Against Sexual Violence

In an unprecedented display of bipartisan solidarity, the California Senate Public Safety Committee has given its unanimous nod to a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at fortifying community defenses against sexually violent predators. On April 9, 2024, the "Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act" (SAFE Act), championed by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), sailed through the committee stage, marking a significant milestone in the state's legislative efforts to protect its residents.

Crafted with the intent to overhaul the current processes governing the placement of sexually violent predators (SVPs), the SAFE Act seeks to ensure such individuals are not surreptitiously placed into family-oriented neighborhoods, thereby safeguarding the sanctity and safety of community living spaces. Highlighting the act's essence, Senator Jones articulated, "The SAFE Act is designed to protect our neighborhoods and families from dangerous sexually violent predators, perpetrators of some of the most horrendous and violent sex crimes.”

Among the locales under the legislative spotlight is Borrego Springs, a serene community that epitomizes the essence of California's diverse and vibrant living environments. The SAFE Act's provisions are particularly relevant here, ensuring that areas like Borrego Springs remain sanctuaries of peace and safety, untouched by the potential threats posed by the inappropriate placement of SVPs.

Central to the SAFE Act are measures that elevate public safety as the primary criterion in the placement decisions of SVPs, alongside requiring the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to actively participate in and approve placement locations before any contractual agreements are finalized. This legislative push comes in response to growing concerns over the discreet integration of SVPs into unsuspecting communities, sparking widespread alarm and calls for reform.

The act's progression, underscored by a unanimous 4-0 committee vote, is buttressed by an extensive coalition of bipartisan support, reflecting a collective legislative commitment to community welfare. Echoing the sentiments of support, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) affirmed, “As a state legislator dedicated to the safety and well-being of my district and California as a whole, I stand firmly in support of SB 1074. This bill not only prioritizes public safety as the paramount concern in deciding the placement of Sexually Violent Predators – it also ensures accountability by mandating the Department of State Hospitals' approval before any placement occurs.”

As the SAFE Act navigates its journey through the legislative corridors, its implications for communities like Borrego Springs and beyond are profound, heralding a new era of transparency, accountability, and safety in the management of sexually violent predators within the Golden State.

Related:

• SAFE Act has strong bipartisan support
• SENATE BILL: SB-1074 Sexually violent predators