Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Newsom Signs Bill Toughening Penalties for Adult Solicitation of 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Restored loitering penalties will fund a new survivor support program through fines when the law takes effect in January 2027.

Assembly Member Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, a former deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice and Planned Parenthood chief legal counsel, wrote Assembly Bill 379.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed a bill that proponents say will strengthen sentences against sex traffickers and opponents say can be used to sweep up immigrant and LGBTQ communities who have not actually done anything wrong.
Image
Image

Overview

  • Assembly Bill 379 makes it a felony for adults more than three years older than a 16- or 17-year-old to solicit sex.
  • The law reverses a 2021 decriminalization by reinstating misdemeanor charges for loitering with intent to purchase sex.
  • A dedicated survivor support fund will be financed by increased fines on offenders and hoteliers who fail to report trafficking.
  • Businesses that allow sex trafficking on their premises face heftier penalties under the new legislation.
  • Civil rights advocates warn that the revived loitering offense could enable racial profiling and strengthen immigration enforcement tactics.