[George Runner] – Board of Equalization Vice Chair and Jessica’s Law author George Runner criticized the California Supreme Court’s decision Monday to strike down mandatory residency restrictions on San Diego County sex offenders under Jessica’s Law without providing any alternative.

“Today’s California Supreme Court decision could allow a child molester to live across the street from a school or park where children gather,” said Runner. “It puts San Diego families at risk and sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the state.”

>> READ SUPREME COURT DECISION

Runner and his wife, former Senator Sharon Runner, are the authors of the voter-approved Proposition 83, otherwise known as Jessica’s Law. In addition to mandatory residency restrictions for sex offenders, the law includes many important public safety reforms such as strengthened sexually violent predator laws and increased parole terms. The California Supreme Court’s decision only relates to the residency requirements in Jessica’s Law.

“The voters overwhelmingly approved Jessica’s Law on the November 2006 ballot,” said Runner.  “The California Supreme Court has substituted the opinion of the court over the will of the people.”

Knowing sex offenders might challenge Jessica’s Law, George Runner introduced Senate Bill 54 in 2010 to give local governments increased flexibility regarding residency requirements. Senator Sharon Runner took authorship of the bill in 2011. It was subsequently killed by the Legislature. In its decision, the California Supreme Court has not provided local governments the flexibility to craft a more appropriate alternative for their communities.