"Taken together, these measures protect our children and families from sex offenders, safeguard consumers, keep assault weapons off our streets and cigarettes from our kids, help us solve crimes and make our gambling laws more sensible," said Lockyer. "I'm pleased the Senate and Assembly determined these measures warranted passage, and thankful for my staff and supporters, who turned great ideas into successful legislation."
Among the bills Lockyer cited are several that related to the Internet and information technology:
- Sex Offenders -- SB 1128 (Alquist) would enact comprehensive reforms to toughen California laws dealing with sex offenders. The main provisions would: create a new crime for using the Internet to prey on children; enhance penalties for possession or distribution of child pornography; strengthen penalties for sex crimes against children; add new crimes to the list of those requiring sex offender registration; add more sex offenders to the Megan's Law Web site; increase the information about offenders on the Megan's Law Web site; and more.
- Internet Cigarette Sales -- SB 1208 (Ortiz) would prohibit Internet sales of cigarettes, and all direct shipment of cigarettes by common or contract carriers, to California consumers. Lockyer said in the release that Internet cigarette sellers do not verify the age of purchasers, and said that California loses sales tax revenue.
- DNA Testing Funds -- SB75 (Dunn) Appropriated $1.3 million to the Department of Justice to buy 260,000 DNA collection kits for local law enforcement agencies. The funds ensured local police agencies could continue collecting DNA samples from all qualifying individuals under Proposition 69.
