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California Democrats Alter Sex Trafficking Bill, Downgrade Penalties for Soliciting Older Teen Victims

Assembly Democrats removed felony charges for purchasing sex from 16- and 17-year-olds in AB 379, prompting criticism from Governor Newsom and victim advocates.

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FILE - Members of the California state Assembly meet at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, June 20, 2022. An unusually hight number of California lawmakers will be gone after the Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, election. A quarter of the 40-member Senate is being replaced and 22 members of the 80 member Assembly will be leaving, but the Democrats' overwhelming majorities in both chambers are expected to be safe. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
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Overview

  • AB 379, a bill aimed at combating sex trafficking, was amended to treat soliciting 16- and 17-year-olds as a misdemeanor instead of a felony to secure a committee hearing.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom publicly opposed the amendment, stating that all minors under 18 should be equally protected under felony penalties for sex solicitation.
  • The bill, co-sponsored by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and District Attorney Summer Stephan, also includes provisions to reinstate loitering laws and fund victim support services.
  • AB 63, a related bill focusing on reinstating loitering laws and targeting pimps, awaits scheduling in the legislative process.
  • The 2022 repeal of loitering statutes under SB 357 is widely criticized by law enforcement and advocates, who blame it for increased street prostitution and trafficking.