Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, announced the introduction of two bills intended to protect children from sexual predators.

The initiatives were promoted by recent incidents involving children in Central Coast schools.

“The first bill will require a threshold minimum assessment of any volunteer who may seek to be in direct contact with a child,” said Blakeslee. “It will be a uniform minimum standard for all school districts.”

The first of the incidents involved a middle school teacher exchanging seductive e-mails with a 13-year-old female student last summer.

The second incident involved a registered sex offender who was volunteering in an elementary school. It was later revealed that California schools have no state requirements to screen volunteers.

The bills will require school districts' volunteers to be checked against the Megan's Law database, which lists registered sex offenders and their place of residence.

“Some school districts already have good policies in place,” Blakeslee added. “This allows the school districts to go much further if they wish.”

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Blakeslee's announcement Friday had school officials and clinical experts offering opinions about the need for the of legislation.

“We think that this is common sense and good for the long term for protecting the safety of the children,” said Edward Valentine, San Luis Coastal Unified School District superintendent.

The experts provided specific situations that put children at the highest risk of sexual predators.

“Child molesters use a gradual process, and a skilled child molester takes his time,” said Terri Quinn, a licensed clinical psychologist.

A draft of the legislation was introduced to the state Assembly Friday with additions made after consultation with county superintendents.

Blakeslee, who serves the 33rd Assembly District, has been in office since 2005.

Feb. 24, 2007