Temecula Assemblywoman's Bill Would Protect Against Inmate Lawsuits

The following is a news release from Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, whose 75th state Assembly District includes the cities and communities of Temecula, Fallbrook, Rainbow, Bonsall, Escondido, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista and Hidden Meadows:

"In an effort to alleviate overcrowding and comply with federal court rulings, prison realignment was implemented with passage of AB 109 in 2011. As a result, thousands of “lower level” inmates are serving their sentences in county jails instead of state prisons.

"The impact of prison realignment is becoming clear. For example, the number of paroled sex offenders who are fugitives in California is 15 percent higher than before realignment. County jails, designed for sentences of a year or less are housing more than 1,000 inmates serving sentences of five years or more. In addition, inmate advocacy organizations have begun suing counties alleging poor housing and treatment, the same claims that first led to federal court action.

"Consequently, a package of bills has been introduced to counter this growing threat to the public. This legislation includes bills requiring state prison time for criminals who remove their GPS tracking devices and a requirement that all sex offenders who violate parole be sent back to prison with state parole supervision. I have introduced AB 1106, part of this package, which grants counties immunity from inmate lawsuits based on conditions created by prison realignment.

"This issue must be resolved quickly without further compromise to public safety.

"Note: My staff will continue to hold Mobile District Offices at the Fallbrook Public Utilities District and Temecula City Hall. Offices are scheduled for the first and second Tuesdays of each month, respectively. Office hours will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m."