SAN DIEGO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) delivered the following remarks at today’s signing ceremony for Chelsea’s Law:

“I’m honored to be here as the Governor gives his signature to Chelsea’s Law. I first want to thank Assemblymembers Fletcher and Block for the leadership they have shown in fighting for this law. I also want to express my heartfelt condolences to Mr. and Mrs. King, as well as the condolences of the entire Assembly. They have suffered a horrific loss, but their determination to prevent other families from suffering the same loss is heroic, and I want to thank them so much for their hard work in making this day possible.

“We know the terrible circumstances that led up to Chelsea’s death. We know the systemic failures that allowed a monster back onto the streets. We know the terrible result of those failures. This law corrects those failures, and will help prevent future tragedies. First, Chelsea’s Law strengthens the penalties against predators. Secondly, Chelsea’s law gives law enforcement vital tools in assessing the future risk potential for offenders so that we never again put ourselves in the position of releasing criminals who will strike again the first chance they get. I am proud of Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Block for their leadership on this issue. They brought together Democrats and Republicans to fix a broken system that resulted in a terrible tragedy. Protecting our public safety is the most basic obligation of government at every level--federal, state and local.

“We need to ensure that law enforcement has the tools necessary to care out that vital function, and Chelsea’s Law gives our public safety personnel the tools they need to keep our people safe. There are no words that can console Mr. and Mrs. King for their loss. Chelsea King was, by all accounts, a talented and bright young woman who was loved by her friends and family. Her death was a tragedy, but Mr. and Mrs. King are to be commended for stepping forward and honoring the memory of their daughter by protecting the daughters--and sons--of California. I am so honored to be a part of their efforts, and I cannot thank them enough for their leadership and courage at the darkest moment of their lives. I also want to thank the Governor for doing everything he could to make sure today’s signing ceremony was a reality. We have all worked closely to ensure Chelsea’s Law’s speedy and timely approval, and I am proud to join him here today.”

Website of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker