Sex offenders: residency restrictions: petition for relief.

Existing law, as amended by Proposition 83 of the November 7, 2006, statewide general election, prohibits any person who is required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act from residing within 2,000 feet of any public or private school, or park where children regularly gather. This bill would provide that the 2,000 feet shall be measured by the shortest practical pedestrian or vehicle path. The bill would permit a person who is subject to the residency restriction to petition the superior court of the county within which he or she resides for relief from the requirement. The bill would provide that original jurisdiction for the petition would lie with the appellate division of the superior court in which the petition is filed. The bill would require the petitioner to establish by clear and convincing evidence that there is a pervasive lack of compliant housing in the county and that a substantial percentage of sex offenders are unable to comply despite good faith efforts. The bill would require that, if relief is granted, it shall be narrowly crafted in order to substantially comply with the intent of the people in approving the residency requirements. The bill would provide that if relief is granted or denied, no subsequent petition shall be heard unless the petitioner establishes in the petition, to the satisfaction of the court, that circumstances regarding compliant housing have changed, as provided. Proposition 83 permits the Legislature, by a vote of 23 of the membership of each house and in accordance with specified procedures, to amend the provisions of the act. This bill would therefore require a 23 vote.