California Lawmakers Block Effort to Make it a Felony to Buy 16 and 17-Year-Olds for Sex
- nataliegothrive
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
In a move that has sparked significant debate, California lawmakers have blocked a proposal that would make it a felony to purchase 16 and 17-year-olds for sex. The bill, AB 379, was introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who has spent two decades working on human trafficking cases for the California Department of Justice. Krell’s proposal aimed to increase penalties for those involved in child sex trafficking, but key aspects of the bill were cut in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
Background of the Bill
The legislation is part of a larger effort to combat child sex trafficking in California, which has been an ongoing issue in the state for years. Last year, Republican State Senator Shannon Grove introduced a similar proposal that sought to make it a felony to buy any child under the age of 18 for sex. At the time, a compromise was struck, limiting the felony charge to those who purchased children under the age of 16. For those who bought sex from 16 or 17-year-olds, the crime could be treated either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on local prosecutors' discretion. Moreover, victims aged 16 or 17 would need to prove they were trafficked in order for the law to apply.
This compromise has now become the sticking point in the current debate. Krell’s bill aimed to make the law more consistent by increasing penalties for buyers of children under 18, but her efforts have been blocked by the same political forces that supported the 2024 compromise. Despite the bill's revisions, key parts of the legislation, including the proposed felony charge for buyers of 16 and 17-year-olds, were not included in the version that advanced from the committee.
The Pushback: What’s at Stake?
For Assemblyman Nick Shultz, the Democratic chairman of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, the decision to block the proposal was about taking a more cautious approach to the issue. He acknowledged that trafficking was a serious problem, but expressed concerns that the policy was being rushed through without proper consideration. “It's completely evil,” Senator Grove remarked, emphasizing the importance of taking action against those who exploit minors for sex.
Krell, however, has been vocal about her frustration. “It’s a disgrace,” she told KCRA. Despite setbacks, Krell remains committed to her cause, saying she plans to bring back the proposal every year until the law protects all children from being bought and sold for sex. She noted that the current law treats those who buy sex from children under 18 more leniently than those who engage in similar activities with younger victims.
One of the remaining provisions of the bill reinstates penalties for loitering with the intent to purchase sex, a measure that was relaxed in 2022 when California decriminalized loitering for prostitution. Now, individuals who are found loitering with the intent to buy sex could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000, with the money going toward a fund for trafficking survivors.
Conclusion
As the debate over AB 379 continues, it’s clear that California’s approach to human trafficking and the criminalization of those who buy sex from minors is still evolving. While the current version of the bill has been scaled back, Assemblymember Krell is determined to continue fighting for more protections for children.
Krell's experience and commitment to the issue make her a key advocate in the ongoing effort to combat child sex trafficking in California. However, the political compromises at play show just how complicated the issue is, with differing views on how best to balance protection for victims with due process for defendants.
The future of this legislation may hinge on further negotiations, but Krell has made it clear that she will not back down. “I am going to bring this part of this bill back every year until I get the books to protect children,” she stated, underscoring her determination to make a difference.
As California lawmakers continue to deliberate on this crucial issue, advocates and survivors will be watching closely to see if meaningful change will eventually come to pass in the fight against human trafficking. But this fight is far from over.
You can help make a difference by staying informed and speaking up. Call your local representatives and urge them to support stronger protections for trafficking victims. Share the message on social media, attend public hearings, and raise awareness in your community. We all have a role to play in making sure that children, no matter their age, are no longer treated as commodities.
Visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can contribute to a world free from human trafficking and child marriage. Your support can change lives and create a brighter, more equitable future for women and girls everywhere.
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Source: Ashley Zavala, California Capitol Correspondent. "California lawmakers to block effort to make it a felony to buy 16 and 17-year-olds for sex," KCRA, April 28, 2025.
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