California Democrats have agreed to amend a bill to impose tougher penalties on those who solicit 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas announced the deal on Tuesday, following negotiations with Public Safety Committee Chair Nick Schultz and Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who introduced the original legislation. The amendment to AB 379 will allow prosecutors to charge felonies for soliciting older teens, except when the offender is within three years of the minor’s age.
The decision comes after a heated public debate and pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom and other high-level Democrats, as well as Republican lawmakers. Initially, the proposed felony charge was removed from the bill, prompting criticism from various quarters. According to KCRA, the amendment reinstates the felony charge, aligning with Krell’s goal to hold offenders accountable.
Krell, a former prosecutor, expressed approval of the changes, stating that the bill strengthens California law and provides a “felony hammer” to prosecute those preying on teenagers. The bill also includes provisions to make loitering with the intent to purchase sex a crime and to create a fund for human trafficking victims.
The updated bill will be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. If passed, it will move to the State Senate for approval. The changes reflect a shift in California’s approach to criminal justice, with Democrats acknowledging the influence of moderate and Republican lawmakers on this issue. However, some progressives remain concerned about the potential misuse of enhanced penalties in cases involving LGBTQ or interracial relationships.
Governor Newsom, who has advocated for treating all sex predators who solicit minors as felons, has not yet commented on the proposed amendments.
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