California Increases Penalty for Soliciting Minors to a Felony

Governor Gavin Newsom signs new law raising the penalty for soliciting sex from minors under 16 from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The new law allows prosecutors to charge repeat offenders with a felony if the victims are at least 16 years old.
The bipartisan measure, authored by Republican Sen. Shannon Grove, received overwhelming legislative support.
Additional measures signed include protocols for emergency rooms to help potential victims of human trafficking and domestic violence discreetly notify healthcare workers.
The legislation aims to update California's outdated provisions and provide better protection for children against sexual exploitation.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of holding predators accountable and supporting victims, following previous efforts to combat child trafficking.