State Information Wiki

Although we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws contain nuances and gaps. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

California Laws Regarding Registration

Does the state categorize by levels/tiers?

Yes. Under the new California Penal Code section 290, the sex-offender registry in the state is divided into three tiers.
Tier 1, 10 years, Tier 2, 20 years, Tier 3, Lifetime
§ 290(d)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&division=&title=9.&part=1.&chapter=5.5.&article=.

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels?

Yes: the “State-Authorized Risk Assessment Tool for Sex Offenders (SARATSO).

§ 290.04
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=290.04.
https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/AboutSexOffenders/RiskAssessment
http://www.saratso.org/

Does anyone remain privately registered? If so, who?

§ 290.46
https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg/forms

Form to apply for exclusion:
https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/csor/ss4046d-app-exclusion.pdf

Is there a registration fee?

No

Are there special restrictions even after supervision ends?

Penal Code § 290.95 lists restrictions
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=290.95&lawCode=PEN

Is there a process for removal from the registry?

Yes, § 290.008(d)(3)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=290.008.

What are the registration requirements for someone visiting the state?

Within 5 working days California Penal Code § 290.002
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?chapter=5.5.&part=1.&lawCode=PEN&title=9

What are the registration requirements for someone moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Within 5 working days California Penal Code § 290.002
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?chapter=5.5.&part=1.&lawCode=PEN&title=9

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

220
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=220&lawCode=PEN
261, 62, 64, 66 , 67, 69 ff
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=261&lawCode=PEN
285, 86,88,89 ff
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=285&lawCode=PEN
311.4, .10, .11, 314 ff
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=311.4&lawCode=PEN
647, 653 ff
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=647&lawCode=PEN

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

No.

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

Yes. Penal Code §288.1 applies to some offenses.
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=288.1.&lawCode=PEN

What are the general rules and regulations about probation, parole, and conditional release? Note: county supervision conditions may differ from county to county and from the state level.

https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/parole/parole-conditions/

What are the state civil commitment laws?

SVP statute: 6600-6609.3
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&division=6.&title=&part=2.&chapter=2.&article=4

What is the age of consent?

Age is 18; California Penal Code 261.5 PC
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=261.5

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

No.

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

On November 3, 2020, CA passed Prop 17, which allows felons to vote in California elections while they are on Parole or Probation. Please note, California also allows convicted felons who are serving time in county jails (rather than state prison) the ability to vote while serving their sentence.
https://felonvoting.procon.org/state-felon-voting-laws/

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg
https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/AboutMegansLaw/SummaryOfMegansLaw
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=290.018

How is the state's legislature organized?

For an in-depth view, please review the following link
http://senate.ca.gov/legislativeprocess

How can I locate legislation about, and related to, sexual offenses and the registry?

Bill search by a variety of methods
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces//billSearchClient.xhtml

Best keywords are:

Sexual offense; 290 offense; sex offender; sex offender registry

How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:

May register and track bills here:
https://legiscan.com/CA/legislation/2017

What are the important legislative committees for our issues?

Senate Judiciary
http://sjud.senate.ca.gov/
Senate Public Safety
http://spsf.senate.ca.gov/
Subcommittee on Sexual Harrassment Prevention and Response
http://shpr.legislature.ca.gov/>

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

http://senate.ca.gov/senators
http://assembly.ca.gov/assemblymembers

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg#:~:text=Internet%20Web%20site.-,Contact,%40doj.ca.gov

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

No affiliate at present. If you would like to start an affiliate or your organization would like to be an affiliate, contact NARSOL for details\\ 888-997-7765.\\ Email NARSOL

Other helpful state advocacy groups:

ACSOL
http://all4consolaws.org/

Other registrant-friendly state support groups:

Response needed.

Other helpful information

http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/california/

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