Sacramento, California — A California bill designed to combat child sex trafficking, Assembly Bill 379, has undergone significant revisions to facilitate its passage through the legislature. Authored by State Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, the initial aim of the bill was to align the legal consequences for sex traffickers with those who purchase minors for sexual exploitation.
However, Krell reluctantly agreed to eliminate a key provision to ensure the bill received a hearing. This alteration removes the felony classification for adults who solicit 16 and 17-year-olds for sex, downgrading the offense to a misdemeanor.
Despite this change, the amended Assembly Bill 379 retains several essential elements:
- Criminalization of Loitering: The bill still targets individuals who loiter intending to buy teenagers for sexual acts.
- Victim Support Fund: A dedicated fund will be established to provide assistance and resources to victims of sex trafficking.
Krell expressed her disappointment with the removal of the felony charge, stating it undermines the effort to protect minors under 18 from sexual exploitation fully. Nevertheless, she affirmed her ongoing dedication to working with survivors and law enforcement to combat sex trafficking.
Read the previous coverage here:
Protecting Teens: CA County Supports Sex-Trafficking Bill
California Assembly Republicans have sharply criticized this amendment, questioning why felony charges for adults buying sex from older teens are being reconsidered. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from predators.
The impetus for Assembly Bill 379 arose from concerns that existing state law, which made the purchase of children 15 and younger for sex a felony, did not extend the same protection to 16 and 17-year-olds. Under current law, traffickers typically face more severe penalties than buyers in cases involving minors.
The bill’s progress was recently stalled, leading to its removal from the Public Safety Committee’s agenda. State Representative David Tangipa suggested this was a deliberate tactic to impede the bill unless the contentious amendment was accepted.
If you require assistance or legal counsel concerning sex trafficking, reach out to us now for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced sex trafficking lawyers are available to provide support and guidance.
