ALERT: Vote on California AB 625 Delayed

1-24-2012 California:

From our friends at California RSOL:

Voting on Assembly Bill (AB) 625 (Click to learn more) was delayed due to the absence of several Lawmakers, according to staffers in the office of Assemblyman Ammiano. The bill is expected to be voted upon either Thursday, January 26, or Monday, January 30. The delay provides an opportunity to provide further input into the office of Assembly members. Please call the office of the Assembly person who represents you. A list of Assembly members, including phone numbers, can be found online at www.assembly.ca.gov.

REASONS TO SUPPORT AB 625:

·         In a time of declining budgets (state, county and city), a tiered registry would make available additional law enforcement and prison resources to protect the public from those who pose a significant threat to society

o   The registry includes many individuals who pose little threat to society such as those convicted of the non-violent crimes of “sexting” on a cell phone, urinating in public, and engaging in consensual teen sex.

o   The registry also includes individuals who pose significant threat to society such as those convicted of multiple sexual assaults against children and adults.

o   Most registered citizens will not re-offend.  The recidivism rate for registrants is extremely low, only 3.25 percent for those on parole and 5 percent for all others, according to the CA Department of Corrections.

·         Tiered registries exist in 46 of the nation’s 50 states and successfully protect the citizens of those states

o   California is only 1 of 4 states with lifetime registries along with Alabama, South Carolina and Florida.

o   AB 625 is a moderate example of a tiered registry now existing in the 46 states.

·         A tiered registry would end a life-time sentence for registrants who pose little harm to society

o   Registrants often lose their jobs solely because they are registrants and remain unemployed for the same reason.

o   Some registrants lose housing opportunities and become homeless solely because they are registered.  For example, Section 8 housing is not available to individuals listed on a lifetime registry.

o   Some registrants are physically harmed, even murdered, by vigilantes.

·         All individuals required to register under Penal Code Section 290 would remain on the registry for at least 10 years

o   Those convicted of lowest level of offenses could leave registry in 10 years

o   Those convicted of moderate offenses could leave registry in 20 years

·         A tiered registry would continue life-time registration for those who pose a significant harm to society.