Home California Bonilla Introduces Legislation to Expand Electronic Monitoring of Non-Violent Offenders

Bonilla Introduces Legislation to Expand Electronic Monitoring of Non-Violent Offenders

by ECT

susan bonilla

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla announced today she has introduced legislation to give sheriffs more tools to manage our criminal justice system by updating requirements for the electronic monitoring of non-violent offenders.

“It is critical that our local law enforcement agencies have the tools and authority they need to ensure the public safety of our communities.  AB 2499 will help relieve pressure on county jails while making sure inmates that need to be incarcerated stay off our streets,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla.

Sponsored by the California State Sheriffs Association, AB 2499 (Bonilla) helps county sheriffs who are looking to implement and expand their electronic monitoring programs by making current law more workable and consistent.

Specifically, AB 2499:

  • Allows for any sentenced inmate who qualifies under rules set forth by a county board of supervisors to be placed on electronic monitoring.
  • Permits a local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location of an electronic monitoring program participant to request the current and historical GPS coordinates of that participant.

“Our communities will be safer, sheriffs will have more options in monitoring offenders, and the offenders themselves will have a greater chance at successful rehabilitation.  I commend Assemblywoman Bonilla for her hard work on this important public safety legislation,” said David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner of Contra Costa County.

“This is common sense legislation that allows local sheriffs the flexibility to track and monitor low-level offenders, which will free up needed jail space in the counties that are suffering from overcrowding,” said Sheriff Gregory J.Ahern, President of the California State Sheriffs’ Association.

AB 2499 will be heard in a policy committee hearing later this spring.

Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) was elected in November 2010 and represents California’s 14th Assembly District, which includes Contra Costa County and Solano County.

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