Concerned about public safety in the wake of the death of Kathryn Steinle, Senator Sharon Runner (R-Antelope Valley) announced today she is authoring legislation to close a loophole that allows dangerous felons back on our streets. Senate Bill 57, also authored by Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas), will stop a local law enforcement agency from seeking custody of a convicted felon who is scheduled for deportation unless the offender will be prosecuted for a new felony.
In July of this year, 32 year-old Kathryn Steinle was walking with her father on Pier 14 in San Francisco when she was shot and killed by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, a career criminal with seven felony convictions. Three months earlier, the San Francisco Sheriff had requested custody of Lopez-Sanchez, because they had a 20 year old warrant for sale of marijuana. The Sheriff’s Department arranged to have Lopez-Sanchez transported to San Francisco at public expense before considering whether the case would actually be tried. He was released when the San Francisco District Attorney declined to prosecute the decades old charge.
“The action of the San Francisco Sheriff had the same impact as digging an escape tunnel under the cell holding Lopez-Sanchez,” said Runner. “The State of California is not in the business of rescuing convicted felons from the Federal Government. SB 57 makes that clear.”
“Public safety has always been a priority for me,” said Huff. “Officials in San Francisco are already considering a similar ordinance following the death of Ms. Steinle. SB 57 closes the loophole statewide that resulted in her tragic death.”
SB 57 would prevent this situation from happening again by requiring a local law enforcement agency to verify the District Attorney’s intent to prosecute before moving an inmate from federal custody, not after. It would apply uniformly to all local jurisdictions in California.
SB 57 has received the support of Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), giving the measure bi-partisan support.
“Common sense dictates that anyone arrested for a serious felony should never be released without checking whether there are outstanding warrants for that individual,” said Galgiani.
Introduction of SB 57 was approved by the Senate Rules Committee yesterday. Runner hopes to have the measure heard before the Legislative Session ends on September 11.
“It is essential for the legislature to act with urgency this year to address the unnecessary process that led to the tragic and totally avoidable death of Kathryn Steinle,” said Runner.
Sharon Runner represents the Antelope Valley, Victor Valley and portions of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Senate.
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