SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) has added his support to AB 1844 known as “Chelsea’s Law”, and has signed on as co-author to the bill.

The measure, which was approved yesterday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, would tighten laws covering convicted sex offenders.

“As the father of two daughters, I want to do everything I can to shield them and other daughters and sons from the dangers of these sexual predators. We have to re-think our approach to keeping these violent offenders off our streets and away from our children - that’s why I will continue to work with Assemblymember Fletcher to ensure passage of this bill.”

“Statistics reported by supporters of Chelsea’s Law state that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their eighteenth birthday. With 67% of all victims of sexual assault being children, I am hopeful that passage of this measure will protect our children and reverse these statistics.”