The state Assembly recently passed legislation aimed at cracking down on child prostitution by allowing prosecutors to charge anyone who purchases sex from a minor with a felony. The bill, Senate Bill 1414, was introduced by Sen. Shannon Grove and aims to correct the current provision in the law that limits soliciting a minor to a misdemeanor charge. The passage of this bill would close the circle by holding people who purchase sex from minors accountable for their actions.
Lawmakers, including Assemblymember Joe Paterson, expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the need to protect children from the damaging effects of sex trafficking. The bill, which now heads to the state Senate for a final vote before reaching the governor’s desk, would ensure those who purchase sex from children are charged with a felony, facing potential jail time and hefty fines.
Legal experts note that the buying of children in California often goes unchecked, and previous laws have not been stringent enough in dealing with this issue. The new bill specifies harsher penalties for offenders, including the possibility of being added to the sex offender registry for repeat offenses.
Last year, a similar bill targeting child trafficking did not initially pass the Legislature but was eventually approved after Gov. Gavin Newsom intervened. Since the passage of the current bill, there have been at least two cases of child trafficking prosecuted in multiple counties. The legislation aims to protect children and hold offenders accountable for their heinous actions.
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