Valladares touts anti-predator bill signed by Newsom

Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Acton, announced that Senate Bill 380, legislation she strongly advocated for in the Legislature, has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom and takes effect immediately. 

The new law, authored by Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, directs the Department of State Hospitals to study the feasibility of placing sexually violent predators in state-run transitional housing facilities upon their release, rather than in residential neighborhoods. Under current practice, they are often conditionally released into local communities, raising serious public safety concerns, said a news release from Valladares’ office.  

“Our community has been treated as a dumping ground for violent predators for far too long,” Valladares said in the release. “I’m proud to have advocated for this bill through the legislative process and grateful to Sen. Jones for introducing it. For years, my constituents have demanded that DSH stop placing sexually violent predators in our neighborhoods. This new law ensures the state must finally explore safer, more responsible alternatives.” 

SB 380 is backed by a broad coalition of local governments, law enforcement agencies, and victims’ advocacy organizations. The legislation implements a key recommendation from the California State Auditor’s Office, which urged DSH to evaluate state-run housing options for SVPs on conditional release, the release said. 

Unlike most new laws that take effect on Jan. 1, SB 380 includes an urgency clause, meaning it is effective immediately upon the governor’s signature. 

“This is a victory for community safety and accountability,” Valladares added. “It’s time the state takes responsibility for managing these dangerous individuals, rather than putting our neighborhoods at risk.” 

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