(Sacramento, CA) – Senate Bill 1253, authored by Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) was signed by the Governor yesterday.

Supported by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, SB 1253 would prohibit a defendant convicted of lewd or lascivious acts on a child from being placed or residing within ½ mile of the child victim’s residence. While current law does state that a convicted child molester cannot live within ½ mile of a school, it does not provide for any such assurance with regard to where the victim lives.

“Children who are victims of sexual assault deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhood and my bill is a step in the right direction towards ensuring their safety,” Senator Strickland said. “We need to do everything we can to make sure these kids are kept safe and I’m pleased to see the Governor signed this common-sense bill.”

SB 1253 will go into effect on January 1, 2011.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.