Ted Lieu on Our Safety and Security

Keeping California Safe

Ted Lieu works hard to make this state a safer place. Public safety has been his number-one priority, and he has the record to prove it. As a City of Torrance Councilmember, he led the fight to reverse proposed cuts to police officers and firefighters. As a legislator, he has worked tirelessly on public safety issues, authoring numerous bills that ensure California is a more peaceful, safer place to live. He supports first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and all those who have sworn to protect our great state and the people who call it home.

Ted has also fought to ensure that those who risk their life can rely on a secure retirement system, and he has always voted to ensure public safety officers get the benefits they deserve if they are injured on the job, including rebuttable presumptions in workers’ compensation cases.

The DNA Backlog

California law only gives law enforcement two years to analyze biological evidence collected in sex crimes cases. Currently, there are over 12,000 DNA samples waiting for testing in Los Angeles County alone.

In the Legislature, Ted has introduced AB 383 to give law enforcement more time to ensure those who commit sex crimes are brought to justice. Ted’s legislation was even hailed by the Los Angeles Times.

“It's a worthy bill in that it would prevent destruction of potentially useful evidence. By allowing agencies more time to deal with their backlogs, it might permit some prosecutions to go forward that might otherwise be thrown out.”

--Los Angeles Times, Editorial, 4/3/09

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, regardless of gender, affects many families in California. Ted has been a leader in California to ensure safety and justice for victims and survivors.

Last year, Ted authored and passed AB 2052, legislation that would allow victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking to terminate a residential lease so that the victim can more easily move away from an abuser without fear of incurring full charges for early termination.

This year, Ted continues to fight against domestic violence in the Legislature. He is the author of AB 532, which gives law enforcement the ability to seize firearms and other deadly weapons in order to protect victims of domestic violence and their families and neighbors. This bill is in response to court decisions limiting law enforcement’s ability to take these weapons for safe keeping.

“Ted Lieu is a leader in protecting all Californians. This legislation will enable law enforcement to get a warrant to remove firearms from individuals detained for mental evaluation or from individuals involved in domestic violence, which will make our communities and families safer.”

--Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, Release, 4/23/08

Megan’s Law

Responding to dramatic loopholes identified by the Attorney General in Megan’s Law, Ted introduced and passed AB 1900, legislation that significantly strengthens California’s sex offender law. This new and necessary law strengthens child safety protections and makes it illegal for a registered sex offender to be alone with a minor in a workplace.

Ted Lieu’s Public Safety Legislation:

AB 32 – Expands privacy protections on the Internet for law enforcement

AB 86 – Allows schools to crack down on cyber-bullying

AB 383 – Gives law enforcement agencies more time to analyze biological evidence

AB 532 – Expands law enforcement's ability to seize firearms in domestic violence cases

AB 668 – Extends the Gun-Free School Zone Act to 1,500 feet

AB 1492 – Prohibits a person from using a wireless telephone device during a vehicle stop

AB 1516 – Allows a prosecutor to obtain an independent mental health examination

AB 1900 – Strengthens California’s sex offender laws

AB 1907 – Expands the Office of Child Abuse Prevention

AB 2052 – Allows a victim of domestic violence to terminate his or her lease to move

AB 2090 – Increases penalties for selling drugs in a park or library or on the beach

AB 2639 – Expands the number of schools completing a school safety plan

AB 2886 – Increases penalties for identity theft