DUSTIN HAALAND: CALIFORNIA

PFMLIT DUSTIN S LAW, General, GIVING THEIR LIVES FOR LAWS

Dustin's Law, named for 4 year old Dustin Haaland of California, is styled after Megan's Law, a federal regulation that requires local release of information when a sexual molester is released into a community.  Dustin's body was found in a Fresno vineyard January 12, his parents Douglas and Kathy Haaland are being held in connection with his death.  They were convicted in 1996 of child endangerment involving an older brother, Dougie.  According to court record, Douglas struck the child and Kathy failed to stop or report the abuse.  When Douglas was released from prison in 1998, he violated the terms of his parole by staying with Kathy and Dustin and by failing to attend a treatment program.

Senate Bill 1343 by Senator Dick Monteith (R-Modesto) passed the senate unanimously.  This bill will help protect children who have suffered at the hands of child abusers.  The bill requires the Board of Prison Terms or the Department of Corrections to notify the family of the inmate when a child abuser is released on parole.