Rep. Whitesides Introduces Legislation to Protect the Antelope Valley by Stopping the Dumping of Sexually Violent Predators in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) introduced the Stop Predator Dumping Act, legislation that would protect rural communities by mandating a new placement framework for Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs). The bill aims to stop communities from being disproportionately impacted by repeated SVP placements, an issue that has historically burdened areas like the Antelope Valley.

"For too long, communities like the Antelope Valley have been treated as dumping grounds for Sexually Violent Predators, while other areas share none of the burden," said Rep. Whitesides. "This legislation ensures a fair and transparent approach to SVP placements nationwide. We must prioritize the safety of our communities and ensure no single region is forced to bear this burden alone."

The current approach to SVP placements in many states has allowed for the concentration of offenders in specific regions, straining local resources and impacting community safety. The Stop Predator Dumping Act would overhaul this system by mandating that states adopt a strict placement framework.

Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study, compile, and promulgate best practices to states, ensuring that areas like the Antelope Valley do not bear the brunt of these placements through repeated dumping. To help states execute these new guidelines, the bill establishes a federal grant program to fund the implementation of these best practices at the state and local levels.

Specifically, the Stop Predator Dumping Act would:

• Establish strict proximity limits, prohibiting any offenders from being placed within 10 miles of each other.

• Prohibit repeated placements in a single county subdivision until all other subdivisions within that county have received a placement.

• Implement a strict county cap for counties with populations over 1 million people, ensuring that no single county governing district (such as the Antelope Valley at-large) can house more than 25% of the total SVPs in a county like Los Angeles.

• Require the DOJ to study and promulgate best practices to states regarding SVP placements to prevent disproportionate dumping in communities.

• Create a new federal grant program to assist states in implementing and carrying out these best practices.

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