'Jessica's Law' Blocked By Judge Only Hours After Passing

According to the Associated Press: A federal judge based in San Francisco on Wednesday blocked enforcement of Proposition 83, the ballot measure passed overwhelmingly by voters a day earlier and meant to crack down on sex offenders, including limiting where they may live. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, ruling on a lawsuit filed early Wednesday, said the measure "is punitive by design and effect" and unconstitutional.

The so-called Jessica's Law prohibits registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park - effectively prohibiting parolees from living in many of California's cities. It also would require lifetime satellite tracking for paroled rapists, child molesters and other felony sex criminals upon their release from prison. It would increase sentences and parole terms for violent and habitual sex offenders, and make more sexually violent predators eligible for indefinite commitments to state mental hospitals.

The case challenging Prop 83 was brought by an anonymous sex offender identified as John Doe who was convicted 15 years ago.

UPDATE: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's attorney, Andrea Hoch, issued a statement: "The voters have spoken and the governor will vigorously defend the lawsuit so the implementation of this vital measure can go forward to protect Californians against the lewd acts of convicted felons."