San Diego City Wire

The Senate Public Safety Committee has unanimously approved two bills introduced by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones aimed at protecting communities from Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs). The first measure, Senate Bill 379, is referred to as the “Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act” or SAFE Act. A second measure, Senate Bill 380, has also gained unanimous committee approval. Both pieces of legislation are designed to address public concerns about the release and placement of SVPs.

Leader Jones welcomed the committee's support, saying, “We are thankful that the Senate Public Safety Committee understands the need to protect our communities from Sexually Violent Predators.” He emphasized the bills as crucial in amending what he describes as “this broken and frightening predator release program.”

Senate Bill 379 seeks to involve public safety considerations in placing SVPs, a responsibility assigned to Liberty Healthcare by the Department of State Hospitals (DSH). If passed, it would require DSH to approve placements before leases are signed. Mary Jeters, a community advocate, supports the measure, stating the need for DSH and Liberty Healthcare to prioritize public safety in their decisions.

The passing vote was 6-0, moving SB 379 to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill aligns with previous bipartisan bills by Leader Jones with similar goals. Jones advocates for transparency in SVP placement decisions, asserting, “SVPs have committed crimes so heinous, I argue they should never be released from prison.” He argues that even court-mandated releases should prioritize public safety.

Senate Bill 380 aims to implement a recommendation from a California State Auditor report, requiring a feasibility study for housing SVPs in transitional facilities. Leader Jones criticized the oversight by state officials, describing it as “reckless.” The bill seeks to end what Jones views as inadequate community placement practices.

Both measures are positioned as a response to recent audits assessing the management and placement strategies regarding SVPs. Leader Jones concluded, “Let’s fix this broken release program once and for all.”