Marysville, California – A new California law will help establish human trafficking of minors a serious crime. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 14 on September 25 after nearly two years of changes. The law means tougher punishments for those found guilty of trafficking minors, aiming to keep repeat offenders in prison longer and prevent early release.
Survivors of human trafficking, like Jenna McKaye, played a significant role in making this law happen. McKaye, a survivor herself, started advocating for survivors in 2016 by training officials to recognize trafficking. She collaborated with law enforcement to push for stricter penalties against traffickers.
Initially, a similar bill (SB 1042) introduced by Senator Shannon Grove failed to pass the Senate Public Safety Committee. Some argued it might harm victims who are wrongly identified as criminals. However, with amendments, SB 14 was introduced, making trafficking a serious felony instead of a violent one.
The new law gives harsher penalties, including a “strike” under California’s Three Strike Law. If an individual is caught trafficking multiple times, they could face life in prison on the third offense. This is seen as a way to deliver justice to victims and prevent more children from experiencing such trauma.
Even though SB 14 has been passed, there’s a concern that those trafficking adults may not receive as severe sentences as those trafficking children. McKaye highlights the importance of acknowledging the trauma survivors endure, regardless of age.
While the law specifically focuses on trafficking minors, McKaye and Senator Grove hope to work towards enhanced punishments for all forms of human trafficking in the future. The law will be effective from January 1, 2024.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking, contact the Women’s Rights Group for legal help and support.
