Law will restrict pedophile activity on the web.

A bill authored by Santa Clarita Valley Assemblyman Cameron
Smyth aimed at protecting children from pedophiles, especially those working
the internet, has been signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and will become
law in January.

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Assembly Bill 534, also known as the “Surrogate Stalker Act”
is in an attempt to stop pedophiles and surrogate stalkers such as Jack
McClellan, who made headlines in Santa Clarita two years ago. McClellan, a self
proclaimed pedophile, had been in and around the Southern California area
researching places where children congregate, and then posting descriptions of
specific children at these places, on his website, for other pedophiles to use
as a resource.

“The Governor has been a great ally for families trying to
protect their children from pedophiles in our communities,” said Smyth. 
“By signing this legislation, the Governor has given parents added assurance
that law enforcement has the proper tools to stop sexual predators from
victimizing children through surrogate stalking.”

“AB 534 is also a testament to the positive impact community
involvement can have on important policy debates in Sacramento. 
There is no doubt that the grass roots efforts of community members outraged
over Jack McClellan’s actions aided me in getting AB 534 first to the
Governor’s desk and than signed into law.”  

AB 534 will make it a misdemeanor to engage in surrogate
stalking, which is the act of publishing photos, physical descriptions, and/or
locations of children with the intent that another person uses that information
to commit a crime against a child.