Table of Contents
Although we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws contain nuances and gaps. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
California’s laws are organized by codes (e.g., criminal laws are in the Penal Code). Once in the correct code, you will be able to go directly to the desired statute(s) by clicking on it. California’s registry laws are codified at Penal Code sections 290–294.
California Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
Penal Code § 290(c)
What information must be provided?
Penal Code § 290.015
How frequently must information be verified? And for how long?
Transients: monthly. Sexually violent predators (SVP): quarterly. All others: yearly.
Penal Code § 290.012
Tier 1: 10 years, Tier 2: at least 20 years, and Tier 3: Life.
Penal Code § 290(d)
Does the state categorize by levels/tiers?
Tiers. Under the new California Penal Code section 290, the sex-offender registry in the state is divided into three tiers.
Tier 1, 10 years, Tier 2, 20 years, Tier 3, Lifetime
Penal Code§ 290(d)
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels?
Yes: the “State-Authorized Risk Assessment Tool for Sex Offenders (SARATSO).
Penal Code § 290.04
https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/AboutSexOffenders/RiskAssessment
http://www.saratso.org/
Does anyone remain privately registered? If so, who?
Penal Code § 290.46
https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg/forms
Form to apply for exclusion:
https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/csor/ss4046d-app-exclusion.pdf
Is there a registration fee?
No
Are there special restrictions even after supervision ends?
Penal Code § 290.95 lists restrictions
Is there a process for removal from the registry?
Yes, Penal Code § 290.008(d)(3)
What are the registration requirements for someone visiting the state?
Within 5 working days California Penal Code § 290.002
What are the registration requirements for someone moving to the state to live or to attend school?
Within 5 working days. Penal Code §290.002
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
Penal Code §§ 220, 261, 264, 266 , 267, 269, 285, 286, 288, 289, 311.4, 311.10, 311.11, 314, 647, 653
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
No.
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
Yes. Penal Code §288.1
What are the general rules and regulations about probation, parole, and conditional release? Note: county supervision conditions may differ from county to county and from the state level.
What are the state civil commitment laws?
Welf. & Inst. Code §§ 6600-6609.3
What is the age of consent?
Age is 18; Penal Code § 261.5
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
No.
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
On November 3, 2020, CA passed Prop 17, which allows felons to vote in California elections while they are on Parole or Probation. Please note, California also allows convicted felons who are serving time in county jails (rather than state prison) the ability to vote while serving their sentence.
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg
https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/AboutMegansLaw/SummaryOfMegansLaw
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=290.018
How is the state's legislature organized?
Information about how the California legislature is organized.
https://libguides.law.ucla.edu/callegislativehistory/legislators#:~:text=California%20maintains%20a%20bicameral%20legislative,an%20upper%20house%20(the%20Senate).
Information about the legislative process in California.
https://www.senate.ca.gov/citizens-guide/legislative-process
How can I locate legislation about, and related to, sexual offenses and the registry?
Best keywords are:
Sexual offense; 290 offense; sex offender; and sex offender registry
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
What are the important legislative committees for our issues?
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
Other Useful State Information
Contact information for state registry office
https://oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg#:~:text=Internet%20Web%20site.-,Contact,%40doj.ca.gov
MegansLaw@doj.ca.gov
800-952-5225
NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:
Other helpful state advocacy groups:
Other registrant-friendly state support groups:
Response needed.