Sex Offender Parole Reform Bill Moves Forward
Political Desk
July 13, 2005
Senate Public Safety Approves Benoit’s Sex Offender Parole Reform MeasureGovernor-Backed Bill Clears First Hurdle in Senate
Today, Assemblyman John J. Benoit’s (R-Palm Desert) legislation aimed at preventing the reoccurrence of many of the problems associated with the release of paroled convicted sex offenders was approved by the Senate Public Safety Committee. Benoit’s proposal was prompted by circumstances surrounding the placement of David Allyn Dokich into a Mead Valley neighborhood recently. Less than two days notice was given after a last moment location switch.
As a former law enforcement professional, my priority is keeping people safe. I understand the importance of proper notification to both the residents and local law enforcement to allow them to prepare for this type of violent parolee in their area. Families have a right to feel safe in their community – and we as public authorities have a duty to keep them safe. My bill will correct some major shortcomings made evident by David Dokich’s manner of release,” stated Benoit.
As passed, Assembly Bill 1120 (Benoit) would:
It is my intent for the consortium to weigh issues such as unlicensed group homes housing numerous sex offenders and proper site selection for violent sex offenders,” said Benoit. A consortium of this type existed in the 1990’s and was instrumental in bringing forward meaningful changes in the sentencing and parole of sex offenders. Unfortunately, the consortium was never passed into law and disbanded under the former administration in Sacramento. I want to bring it back to stay,” continued Assemblyman Benoit.
Benoit added, “I’ve worked closely with the Governor Schwarzenegger’s office and the Department of Corrections in developing this proposal. I appreciate their willingness to work with me to prevent a re-occurrence of the problems we experienced with the Dokich placement.”
The bill as originally drafted included a 45 day extension of the sexual predator’s term for notification but was removed at the direction of the majority democrats on the committee because of a perceived violation of the sex offender’s rights. Benoit's office says they hope the consortium will address that issue when it convenes.
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