Story perspectives

Bill Clears to Allow Child Sex Offenders Run for Office

7/6/2026

Summary

Wiener Expands Candidacy

U.S. Senator Scott Wiener pushed amendments to AB 2691 that would let felons convicted of sexual assault against minors run for office, exempting child offenses the original bill barred, clearing the committee.
Senator Dawn Addis called AB 2691 the nation’s first law of its kind.
Senator Steven Choi and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria say the change would let child predators and registered sex offenders hold positions such as school board.

Summary

Wiener Redefines Assault

The bill defines “sexual assault” to exclude Penal Code §§286(b), 287(b), and 289(i).
It caps jail for penetrating anyone under 18 at one year and makes penetration of a person under 16 by someone over 21 a felony.
Senator Scott Wiener, former LGBTQ Caucus chair, represented Harvey Milk’s former San Francisco district.
Greg Burt, president of the California Family Council, testified against the amendment on June 30.

Summary

Wiener Blocks Bill

After Senator Scott Wiener recommended it, AB 2753 failed to advance in the California legislature.
A local resident said the community feels “very strongly” that convicted sexual offenders should not run for office.
The California Family Council urged residents to act, arguing California needs child-protecting laws instead of eligibility loopholes.
The article, published on July 6, 2026, frames the debate as a community demand for stricter eligibility rules.

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Wiener Expands Candidacy

U.S. Senator Scott Wiener pushed amendments to AB 2691 that would let felons convicted of sexual assault against minors run for office, exempting child offenses the original bill barred, clearing the committee.
Senator Dawn Addis called AB 2691 the nation’s first law of its kind.
Senator Steven Choi and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria say the change would let child predators and registered sex offenders hold positions such as school board.

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