California successfully completed its group lobbying effort in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 625 that would end the state’s lifetime registry for many but not all registrants on Wednesday, January 18. Three teams of registrants, family members and professionals met with a total of 45 legislators and/or legislative staffers. CA RSOL received a warm welcome in many of the legislative offices and was commended for speaking out on this topic. In its lobbying effort, CA RSOL brought updated information to the legislative offices on topics such as recidivism and the impact of the registry upon registrants as well as their family members.
The state legislature is expected to vote on AB 625 in the Assembly on Monday, January 23. Passage of the bill remains uncertain, however, lobbying by CA RSOL has increased the chance of its passage. If the bill is not passed on January 23, it could be brought up for a second vote on Thursday, January 26.
There are several organizations, in addition to CA RSOL, that support AB 625. Those organizations include the ACLU, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and CalCASA a victims’ rights organization.