Sex Offender Management Board.

Existing law establishes the Sex Offender Management Board under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to address issues, concerns, and problems related to the community management of sex offenders. The board consists of 17 members, as specified. This bill would add a licensed mental health professional with experience treating juveniles who have offended sexually, who would be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Director of the Department of Youth and Community Restoration or a designee who has expertise in the treatment or supervision of juveniles who have offended sexually to the board, bringing the total membership to 19. Existing law requires the board to develop and update standards for certification of sex offender management professionals and sex offender management programs. Existing law provides an exemption from civil liability for criminal acts committed by persons on parole or probation, or who have been judicially committed who receive supervision or treatment, as specified. This bill would require the board, on or before July 1, 2022, to develop and update standards for certification of professionals and management programs for juveniles who offend sexually and would require those standards to be published on the board's internet website. The bill would require programs for juveniles who offend sexually to be provided only by professionals certified by the board. The bill would also extend the exemption from civil liability to certified professionals and programs that provide treatment or supervision to juveniles who offend sexually.