Proposition 83: Sex Offenders and the November Elections

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There are 90,000 registered sex offenders in California, and current law says they can't live near schools while they're on parole. If they're high risk, they have to be monitored with electronic devices. The most dangerous can be committed to mental hospitals after serving their prison terms. Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a package of new laws cracking down on such sex offenders. Proposition 83 on November's ballot would be even tougher--so tough it could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. It would increase penalties and provide for longer paroles. Past offenders could never live within 2000 feet of a school or a park and they'd be electronically monitored for the rest of their lives. Supporters say it will make children safer.  Opponents contend it won't protect them from the most likely offenders of all: people they know and trust. We hear the pros and cons.

Credits

Guests:

  • Bonnie Dumanis - San Diego District Attorney
  • Niki Delson - Chair of the Education Committee of the California Coalition on Sexual Offending

Host:

Warren Olney