ABC 10
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is increasing penalties for adults who solicit minors for sex, under a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Assembly Bill 379, introduced by Asm. Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), imposes increased charges for adults soliciting sex from 16 and 17-year-olds. The new law also makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to loiter in a public place with the intent to purchase commercial sex.
“By signing this bill into law, California is again going on record to support survivors and victims of human trafficking, while penalizing those who solicit minors,” Newsom said in a statement.
The bill was the center of controversy in the capital while going through the legislative process. Assembly Democrats heavily watered down the bill by removing key provisions of the felony enhancement, leading to Krell being replaced as the lead author.
The moves drew bipartisan criticism and public backlash, including a campaign ad from the California Republican Party featuring teenagers speaking out against the softened bill.
In response to the backlash, the felony penalties for adults who solicit sex from 16- or 17-year-olds were restored, along with a key safeguard: felony charges apply when the offender is at least three years older than the minor. If the age gap is smaller, the offense remains a misdemeanor.
Some Democrats previously expressed concern overly broad felony penalties could be misused by disapproving parents, particularly in interracial or LGBTQ+ relationships. The current language attempts to strike a balance between safeguarding minors and avoiding unjust prosecutions.
Krell applauded Newsom for signing the bill, highlighting the new legislation will protect teens from being purchased for sex, as well as create more resources to help survivors of human trafficking.
“This is about protecting the girls who are being bought and sold for sex on street corners in cities throughout California and going after the sleazy men who are buying them. To the survivor leaders who led this effort from the beginning and wouldn’t give up – you are an inspiration and I’m so grateful to have worked alongside you. This is your win,” said Krell in a statement.
AB 379 also creates a state grant program to assist district attorneys in prosecuting sex trafficking crimes and establishes a Survivor Support Fund to provide direct services for victims of trafficking and exploitation. The bill also includes provisions to increase fines on businesses ignoring or facilitating human trafficking, with that revenue directed toward survivor services.
