San Diego, California — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voiced its support on Wednesday for a proposed state sex-trafficking bill intended to safeguard teenagers aged 16 and 17. Supervisor Jim Desmond introduced the motion, crafted by Shane Harris of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, to endorse Assembly Bill 379, co-authored by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell.
The proposed legislation seeks to close a perceived loophole in current law, which extends felony sex trafficking protections to children up to 15 years old. According to Desmond’s office, the bill aims to ensure that all children in California are protected from exploitation.
Key aspects of AB 379 include:
- Extending legal protections against felony sex trafficking to 16 and 17-year-olds.
- Expanding support services for survivors of trafficking.
- Increasing resources for law enforcement investigations into trafficking cases.
Desmond emphasized that the bill aims to target traffickers and buyers, not the victims of exploitation. He also noted the bipartisan support for AB 379, citing endorsements from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and District Attorney Summer Stephan, among others. The bill is scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 29.
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