Local Assemblywoman's Bills Focus on Monitoring Early Release Felons, Crack Down on Child Porn

Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, announced Tuesday that two of her bills to enhance the public safety of all Californians have passed out of their respective legislative committees.

“California’s families are deeply concerned about the safety of their children and communities, and I am pleased that my proposals to address two specific issues – early release and child pornography – have each moved one step closer to becoming law,” Melendez said. “I am hopeful these two pieces of legislation will continue to enjoy strong bipartisan support as it moves along the legislative process.”

The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Assembly Bill 579, which would ensure convicted criminals who are released early from jail into mandatory supervision will begin supervision immediately upon release.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee approved Assembly Bill 1775, which would ensure the protection of California’s children from the increase of sexual exploitation through internet child pornography by updating the code to reflect modern technology.

“While it’s no secret that the Capitol is a partisan place, I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support that each of my proposals received,” Melendez said.“It is in the interest of all lawmakers to ensure the safety of those they represent and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that my proposals are signed into law.”

The two pieces of legislation will now continue through the legislative process. AB 1775 will be heard in front of the entire California State Assembly, while AB 579 will be heard in the California State Senate.

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and a portion of Hemet. It also includes the Riverside County unincorporated areas of Lake Mathews, Good Hope, Nuevo, and Winchester.