SACRAMENTO- A proposed bill that would update current laws to prevent registered sex offenders from living, working or volunteering in state-licensed facilities like daycares and foster homes was approved in the Senate Human Services Committee Tuesday.

“It was eye opening to learn that current state law does not make it clear that it is against the law for a registered sex offender to be at a state-licensed facility where children are cared for,” Assemblymember Perea said. “This bill will make sure we are using the tools we already have to keep kids safe.”

Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) authored AB 493- Keeping Foster Children Safe from Registered Sex Offenders, after a 2011 state audit found address matches for more than 1,000 sex offenders at state-licensed child care and foster home facilities throughout California.

AB 493 would also require the Department of Social Services to compare the home and work addresses of registered sex offenders with the addresses of state-licensed child care facilities on regular basis.

The bill has received bipartisan support from than a dozen legislators and will be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Assemblymember Henry T. Perea represents the 31st District in the California State Assembly which includes the central San Joaquin Valley communities of Cutler-Orosi, Dinuba, Firebaugh, Fowler, Kerman, Mendota, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, San Joaquin, Selma and the city of Fresno.

Contact: Alisha Gallon 661-364-3655