Treatment to be mandatory for young sex offenders

9-30-2014 California:

Adolescents and teenagers convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious victim will face mandatory sexual-offender treatment in California. Gov. Jerry Brown's office on Tuesday announced he had signed SB838.

Democratic Sen. Jim Beall of San Jose introduced the legislation after 15-year-old Audrie Pott committed suicide after a photo of her assault spread online. Three teenagers convicted of assaulting the Saratoga High School student received 30- to 45-day sentences.

Beall says "Audrie's Law" closes a loophole allowing lesser penalties for juveniles if a victim is unconscious or developmentally disabled. The bill also allows public access to court hearings in such cases.

Beall removed mandatory two-year sentences from SB838 civil liberties groups and youth advocates raised concerns. ..Source.. by KTVN.com