California Senate Advances Amended Anti-Trafficking Bill Amid Controversy

The bill, originally designed to toughen penalties for child sex solicitation, faced significant amendments that limit its scope to minors under 16.

California's SB 1414, intended to make soliciting sex with minors a felony, was amended by Democrats to apply only to those under 16.
The bill's author, Sen. Shannon Grove, expressed frustration, stating the amendments diluted the bill's effectiveness against child sex trafficking.
Amendments include removing strict liability, affecting only repeat offenders for mandatory sex offender registration.
Critics argue the bill's original broad scope could inadvertently target teenagers in consensual relationships and potentially harm the LGBTQ community.
Despite opposition, the bill progresses to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.