Bill > H2136

This bill proposes to amend existing law to prohibit sex offenders classified as Level 3 from living within 1,000 feet of any elementary or high school. Level 3 is the highest classification for sex offenders, indicating the greatest risk to public safety. Violators of this new residency restriction would face escalating penalties: a first offense could result in up to 30 days in jail, a second offense could lead to a jail sentence of up to 2.5 years or a state prison sentence of up to 5 years, or a combination of imprisonment and a $1,000 fine, and subsequent offenses would carry a mandatory minimum of 5 years in state prison with no possibility of early release through probation, parole, work release, furlough, or good conduct deductions until that minimum is served. The bill also specifies that these cases cannot be continued without a finding or placed on file, ensuring they are fully prosecuted.