Soria to introduce bill to prevent sex offenders from public office

SACRAMENTO — Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California. 

The action stems from reports of a registered sex offender in Fresno expressing interest in running for Fresno City Council, an election taking place this June.

“It’s deeply disturbing that this issue is unfolding in my own backyard. The idea that a registered sex offender could run for public office in the City of Fresno is unacceptable,” Soria said. “This bill will ensure, once and for all, that registered sex offenders are prohibited from seeking public office in California, so voters can have confidence that those seeking to represent them meet the most basic standards of public trust.”