FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — The debate over public safety and housing regulations took center stage on KMJ as Mike Karbassi and Andrew Janz joined Philip Teresi to discuss the proposed SHIELD Act.
The measure is aimed at increasing oversight of group homes that house registered sex offenders within the City of Fresno.
“If you have to have a license as a business to sell tobacco and you have to have a license as a business to sell alcohol, things that could be harmful to children for sure, what is more harmful than a violent sexual predator?” – Mike Karbassi
According to city leaders, the proposal would require group homes housing sex offenders to obtain a city license and would incorporate county standards that limit the number of registered sex offenders living in a single residence.
Supporters say the measure is designed to improve transparency and address community concerns about the placement of offenders in residential neighborhoods.
“What we really want to see is an ability for law enforcement and the ability for the city to maintain and keep track of all of these different facilities that are throughout our community.” – Andrew Janz
During their conversation, Karbassi and Janz explained the goals of the SHIELD Act, the legal challenges it could face, and what it could mean for Fresno neighborhoods moving forward.
Catch the full conversation here and on the KMJ podcast page or wherever you listen podcast.
