SACRAMENTO, California — Governor Gavin Newsom has approved legislation focused on tougher consequences for those who solicit minors for sex. The new measure—commonly called the bill on solicitation of minors—elevates the offense to felony status under specific circumstances and imposes additional sanctions for related conduct.
Key Provisions and Related Laws
- Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414): Soliciting or purchasing sex from minors under 16 is now a felony; repeat offenders involving victims aged 16–17 may also be charged with a felony if they are proven to be trafficking cases.
- Assembly Bill 379 (AB 379): Makes it a potential felony to solicit sex from 16- or 17-year-olds when the offender is more than three years older than the minor. Also reintroduces a misdemeanor loitering offense for intending to purchase sex, with fines up to $1,000.
- Funding and Victim Support: AB 379 creates a Survivor Support Fund, financed by penalties, to support organizations run by trafficking survivors with services such as mental health care and job training.
Context and Legislative Background
This policy update builds on earlier reform (SB 1414) that originally made solicitation of minors below age 16 a felony. New revisions in AB 379 extend certain felony provisions to older teens under defined conditions and reinstate penalties for loitering aimed at sex solicitation.
The combined legislative package reflects bipartisan effort and includes feedback from survivors of trafficking to improve accountability and victim support.
How Women’s Rights Group Can Help
At Women’s Rights Group, we are dedicated to protecting survivors and fighting for justice. If you or a loved one has been affected by solicitation, trafficking, or coercive behavior involving minors, we are here to assist.
We handle cases involving:
- Sexual assault or exploitation of minors
- Human trafficking
- Coercion and grooming situations
- Retaliation for speaking out
- Failure by institutions to report or protect
If you’ve experienced abuse or have concerns about how laws are applied, we can guide you—from legal advice to referrals and emotional support. You deserve a voice, and we’re committed to helping you be heard. Contact us today—your path to justice and healing begins with one call.
