In a contentious decision, California’s Assembly Public Safety Committee advanced Assembly Bill 379 (AB 379) after removing a key provision that would have made it an automatic felony to purchase sex from 16 and 17-year-olds. The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, aimed to align penalties for buyers of sex with minors under 18, but faced opposition from within her own party.
Under current California law, purchasing sex from minors under 16 is a felony offense. AB 379 sought to extend this felony classification to include 16- and 17-year-olds. However, Democratic members of the committee insisted on removing the felony provision for the bill to proceed. Assemblymember Krell, a former human trafficking prosecutor, expressed her frustration, stating, “I wholeheartedly disagree with that amendment.”
The committee’s decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in, asserting, “The law should treat all sex predators who solicit minors the same — as a felony, regardless of the intended victim’s age,” reported NY Post.
Despite the setback, Krell emphasized the importance of the remaining provisions in AB 379. The bill now includes measures to criminalize loitering with the intent to purchase sex and establishes a Survivor Support Fund to aid victims of sex trafficking.
The debate over AB 379 underscores the complexities of legislating on sensitive issues like child sex trafficking. As the bill moves forward, advocates continue to push for comprehensive protections for all minors involved in such crimes.
