California criminal laws change often. Sometimes the changes are small. However, other times they significantly affect how certain offenses are treated. One recent example is California Senate Bill 680 (SB680), which took effect in January 2026. This new law changes when a person must register as a sex offender after certain offenses involving minors.

Many people are familiar with the term statutory rape, which California law calls unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under Penal Code 261.5. Historically, not every conviction for this offense required registration as a sex offender. In fact, California law previously allowed many defendants to avoid registration depending on the age difference between the people involved. However, SB680 changed part of that rule.

As a result, beginning in 2026, some people convicted of unlawful sex with a minor must now register as a Tier 1 sex offender for at least 10 years. Understanding this change is important because sex offender registration can have long-term consequences that extend far beyond a criminal case.

What California SB680 Actually Changed

The Sex Offender Registration Act, found in California Penal Code 290, requires individuals convicted of certain crimes to register with local law enforcement while living, working, or attending school in California. The state currently uses a three-tier registration system, which determines how long someone must remain on the registry.

Under this system:

• Tier 1 offenders must register for at least 10 years
• Tier 2 offenders must register for at least 20 years
• Tier 3 offenders must register for life

Before SB680, many convictions for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor did not automatically require sex offender registration. Courts often had discretion, and registration frequently depended on the specific facts of the case. However, the new law expands situations where registration is now mandatory.

Beginning in 2026, a person convicted of certain unlawful sexual intercourse offenses must register as a Tier 1 sex offender for 10 years, unless a specific exception applies.

When Registration Is Now Required

Under SB680, registration may now be required when someone is convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in certain situations. For example, registration may apply if a person engages in sexual intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the offender.

In addition, the law also applies when the offender is 21 years old or older and the minor involved is under the age of 16. In those situations, the law now requires Tier 1 sex offender registration for 10 years.

However, there is still an important exception written into the statute. If the defendant is not more than 10 years older than the minor, and the unlawful sexual intercourse conviction is the only offense requiring registration, then registration may not be mandatory under the law. This exception was included to address cases where the age difference between the parties is relatively small.

Even so, courts may still have discretion in some circumstances to require registration if they believe it is appropriate based on the facts of the case.

Changes Also Affect Certain Solicitation Offenses

The new law also touches another criminal statute. Specifically, it affects certain violations of California Penal Code 647 involving solicitation offenses.

Under SB680, a person 18 years or older who is convicted of soliciting a minor for certain sexual acts may also be required to register as a sex offender if they have a prior conviction for the same offense and were more than 10 years older than the minor involved.

This provision expands the scope of the law and increases the circumstances where registration may be required.

Why Sex Offender Registration Matters

Sex offender registration is not simply an administrative requirement. Instead, it can affect many areas of a person’s life for years. Individuals who must register are required to regularly report their residence and other information to law enforcement.

Additionally, registration can impact housing, employment, and professional opportunities. Some registrants may also appear in public databases depending on the offense and tier classification.

For this reason, the consequences of a conviction that requires registration can extend far beyond any jail time or probation sentence. Even a Tier 1 registration requirement lasting 10 years can significantly affect a person’s future.

What Defendants Should Understand About SB680

The key takeaway from California SB680 is that the law has expanded when sex offender registration may apply in cases involving unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. As of 2026, certain offenses now require mandatory Tier 1 registration for 10 years, particularly when there is a larger age difference between the individuals involved.

At the same time, the law still includes an important exception when the defendant is not more than 10 years older than the minor and the offense is the only one that would require registration.

Because these cases often involve complicated legal details, it is critical to fully understand the charges and the potential consequences. A conviction that triggers the California sex offender registry can have lasting impacts long after the criminal case is resolved.

Understanding how laws like SB680 work is an important first step toward protecting your rights and making informed decisions within the California criminal justice system.

If you, or anyone you know, has been accused of any sex crimes in the Inland Empire area, we are here to help. Our experienced team at Inland Empire Criminal Defense is here to help. Give us a call at (909) 939-7126 to book your first free consultation.