Breaking Through the Debate: Latest Developments on California’s AB 379 Child Sex Trafficking Bill
- nataliegothrive
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Breaking Through the Debate: Latest Developments on California’s AB 379 Child Sex Trafficking Bill
California Assembly Bill 379 (AB 379) has made significant strides in the state's legislative process, aiming to bolster protections against child sex trafficking. The bill seeks to make it easier for prosecutors to charge individuals who purchase sex from 16- and 17-year-olds, addressing a critical gap in current laws.
Background and Legislative Journey
Introduced by Assemblymember Maggy Krell, a former prosecutor with extensive experience in human trafficking cases, AB 379 initially proposed making it a felony for adults to buy sex from minors under 18. However, the bill faced opposition from some progressive Democrats who expressed concerns about potential over-criminalization and the impact on consensual relationships among teens close in age. These concerns led to a temporary removal of the felony provision from the bill.
In response to public backlash and pressure from various advocacy groups, lawmakers revisited the bill. A compromise was reached, allowing for felony charges if the adult is more than three years older than the minor, while exempting cases where the age difference is three years or less. This adjustment aims to strike a balance between the need for stricter penalties and concerns about potential misuse of the law.
Key Provisions of AB 379
The amended AB 379 includes several key provisions:
Felony Charges for Solicitation: Adults who purchase sex from 16- and 17-year-olds can face felony charges if the age difference exceeds three years.
Loitering Offenses: The bill criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase sex, providing law enforcement with additional tools to combat solicitation.
Victim Support Fund: AB 379 establishes a fund to support services for victims of sex trafficking, including counseling and rehabilitation programs.
Business Accountability: The bill increases penalties for businesses that knowingly facilitate sex trafficking activities.
Support and Opposition
Supporters of AB 379, including law enforcement agencies and anti-trafficking organizations, argue that the bill provides necessary tools to combat the exploitation of minors and hold perpetrators accountable. They emphasize that the legislation targets those who exploit vulnerable teens for commercial sex.
Opponents, particularly some progressive Democrats, express concerns that the bill could lead to over-criminalization, especially in cases involving consensual relationships among teens close in age. They advocate for a more nuanced approach that considers the complexities of adolescent relationships.
Looking Ahead
AB 379 has passed through the California Assembly and is now under consideration in the State Senate. Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from exploitation while ensuring that the law is applied fairly and justly. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders continue to monitor developments to ensure that the final version of the bill effectively addresses the issue of teen sex trafficking without unintended consequences.
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