Overview

• The California Assembly approved amendments to AB 379 removing felony penalties for soliciting sex from 16- and 17-year-olds, maintaining current misdemeanor or discretionary felony charges.
• Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision, reiterating his stance that all sex predators who target minors should face uniform felony charges.
• Democratic lawmakers, led by Assembly Public Safety Chair Nick Schultz, cited concerns that enhanced penalties could disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ and interracial relationships.
• Republicans plan to force a standalone vote to restore felony penalties, framing the issue as a moral and public safety necessity.
• Schultz committed to holding informational hearings in the fall, with plans to revisit the measure in the next legislative session.