SB 1143: Housing restrictions: sex offenders.

Existing law requires a person convicted of certain sex-related offenses to register annually, as specified, with local law enforcement officials in the area in which he or she resides. Existing law makes information about registered sex offenders available to the public via an Internet Web site. Existing law prohibits the use of this information for purposes of housing or accommodation unless it is to protect a person at risk.

Existing law requires certain disclosures to be made when transferring real property. Existing law prescribes the rights and duties of landlords and tenants.

This bill would require a person who is required to register as a sex offender for a conviction involving a victim under 18 years of age, when seeking to purchase or rent a residential housing unit located within ¹/₄ mile from a school, park, or child care facility, as defined, to disclose to the seller or landlord the fact that he or she is a registered sex offender.

This bill would authorize a seller to refuse to sell to a person based on that disclosure, or, if the disclosure is not made or is made after entry into a sales contract, to rescind the sales contract without penalty. The bill would also authorize a landlord to refuse to rent to a person based on that disclosure, or, if the disclosure is not made or is made after entry into a housing rental agreement, to cause the person to be evicted.