Senate Bill 380, which aims to reform how sexually violent predators (SVPs) are placed after release, has been signed into law and takes effect immediately. The legislation, authored by Senate Republican Leader Bill Jones (R-San Diego) and supported by Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), requires the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to study whether SVPs could be housed in state-run transitional facilities instead of residential neighborhoods.
Currently, SVPs are often released conditionally into local communities, a practice that has raised concerns about public safety. The new law directs the DSH to consider alternatives that could address these concerns.
“Our community has been treated as a dumping ground for violent predators for far too long,” said Senator Valladares. “I’m proud to have advocated for this bill through the legislative process and grateful to Senator 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.”
The legislation is supported by local governments, law enforcement agencies, and victims’ advocacy groups. It follows a recommendation from the California State Auditor’s Office, which called on the DSH to assess the feasibility of state-run housing options for SVPs on conditional release.
SB 380 contains an urgency clause, making it effective immediately upon being signed by the Governor, rather than waiting until January 1, as is typical with most new laws.
“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.”
