SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) announced the bipartisan passage of Assembly Bill 277 (AB 277) and Assembly Bill 767 (AB 767) off the Assembly Floor.
AB 277 would require employees who provide behavioral health treatment to undergo a criminal background check. Additionally, it would provide behavioral health care employers with a prospective employee’s criminal record so they can assess whether that person is fit to work.
“This is an important bill that adds extra accountability measures to applicants who want to work with kids,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis. “Unfortunately, cases of child abuse in the behavioral health field have become increasingly prevalent in California. Ensuring access to an applicant’s criminal record is critical in combatting this problem.”
Additionally, AB 767 strengthens child safety by clarifying placement restrictions for sexually violent predators (SVPs) on conditional release. Specifically, the bill defines a private school as a facility or home that has filed a private affidavit with the California Department of Education, provides elementary or secondary instruction to students ages 6 through 18, and is listed on the Department’s private school directory.
AB 767 would prohibit sexually violent predators from residing within a quarter mile of daycare facilities and provide clear and consistent guides to courts, law enforcement agencies, and other statewide agencies.
“State law needs to be updated so that private and home-based schools are guaranteed the same protections against SVPs as public schools. This bill addresses and closes any gaps that could lead to inconsistencies,” said Assemblymember Alanis.
AB 277 passed the Assembly Floor with a 76-0 vote, and AB 767 passed 71-0.
“Thank you to my Republican and Democratic colleagues for supporting these common-sense measures that will advance protections for our kids,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “Protecting children is one of my highest priorities, and I am looking forward to continuing these important discussions with my Senate colleagues as both bills move through the Legislature.”
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.
