The O.C. is stepping up its game when it comes to keeping sex offenders away from children.
A law has been preliminarily approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors that will ban registered sex offenders from local parks and beaches in Orange County.
A final vote is expected today. If passed, sex offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor if they enter a county park without written permission, and could face six months in jail or a $500 fine. According to the state Attorney General's Office, there are 1,832 registered sex offenders living in the county.
Opponents say that the law doesn't differentiate between low-level sex offenders and more dangerous predators. They also argue that the law will be difficult to uphold. Supporters argue that it will help protect children, including District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, a co-proposer of the law. “Parks belong to children who want to play there and parents who want to enjoy nature with their children,” Rackauckas said in a statement.
The O.C. Sheriff's Department would be responsible for granting special exemptions.
The City of Fullerton recently prohibited sex offenders from loitering within 300 feet of parks, schools and daycare centers.
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