South OC Times

Congressman Darrell Issa of California has reintroduced The Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act, aiming to address the placement of sexually violent predators (SVPs) in communities. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, Issa seeks comprehensive reform to prevent SVPs from being housed near schools and families.

Issa stated, "In California, Governor Newsom refuses to stop making our communities less safe by repeatedly forcing communities to tolerate and live next to the forced relocation of these violent predators into our neighborhoods." He added that the issue extends beyond California, necessitating a federal solution to avoid placing SVPs in residential areas nationwide.

SVPs are individuals diagnosed as incurable and convicted of sexually violent crimes. They are not undergoing treatment or recovery and pose significant risks if placed in local neighborhoods instead of secure facilities. Recent data indicates that 70 percent of SVPs released into Californian communities have been returned for violating release terms. Despite this, state policies continue allowing their relocation near families and children.

The proposed legislation includes measures such as ending federal funding for housing SVPs outside secure facilities and requiring states to report all convicted SVPs to the Department of Justice for potential federal charges.

Darrell Issa represents California's 48th Congressional District, covering parts of San Diego County and Riverside County. He previously chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.