California Dems face criticism over vote supporting sex offenders

California Senate Democrats rejected a Republican proposal to prevent individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors from serving on public boards, including school boards. The bill aimed to expand disqualifications to include all Tier 3 sex offenders but excluded Tier 1 and Tier 2 cases, prompting criticism from opponents who believe convicted sex offenders should not hold public office. Senate Democrats argued that the current registry includes individuals with less serious offenses, and the proposed broad ban was overinclusive.