The Senator Reports

April 10th, 2008

Legislation to Protect Our Children
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

Last week in the Senate Education Committee, I supported legislation to automatically suspend teachers' credentials when they have been convicted of a sex offense in another state and to revoke the credential of teachers convicted of sex offenses, controlled substance offenses, or violent felony offenses following a plea of guilty or no contest.

Offenders who plead "no contest" can sometimes retain their teaching credentials just for entering a "no contest" plea. I believe that a "no contest" plea is essentially the same as an admission of guilt, and feel that these licenses ought to be revoked.

The most important obligation we have as parents and community members is to ensure the safety of our children. I hope both of these bills continue on through the legislative process and become key laws to help protect our students.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

If you would like to get a message to Senator Mark Wyland, contact his San Diego County District office at:

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email:
senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov