Bill to Increase Child Sex Trafficking Punishments Reintroduced In Assembly

A bill that would increase punishments for purchasing a minor for sex and recriminalize the act of loitering with the intent to purchase sex was reintroduced on Friday following a major amendment to the bill earlier this week.

Assembly Bill 379, authored by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) and co-sponsored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), would make it a crime to loiter with the intent to purchase commercial sex once again, making it a misdemeanor and punishable by a $1,000 fine in addition any other penalties. AB 379 would also establish a fund to support victims of sex trafficking. In addition, the bill would ensure that the crime of purchasing a minor for sex applies in any case where the victim is under 18, and would require that those charged with prostitution under current law for receiving something of value in exchange for a sex act be offered diversion.

Assemblywoman Krell wrote the bill because of the continuing issues with sex trafficking in California. In the fact sheet, Krell further notes that sex trafficking disproportionately impacts girls and women of color from impoverished neighborhoods, LGBTQ+ youth, and children from the foster care system. In addition, the bill was created specifically to reverse SB 357, a 2022 bill authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), that decriminalized the act of loitering with the intent to purchase sex. As a result of that legislation, it made it more difficult for law enforcement to intervene, investigate sex trafficking cases, and penalize commercial sex purchasers. Prostitution and sex crimes shot up as a result.

Other bills in the last few years likewise influenced AB 379. While a Grove-authored bill that increased penalties for child sex buyers, SB 1414, was signed into law last year, it was also watered down significantly from earlier in the year. Another bill last year that would have re-criminalized loitering with intention for sex was killed by Democrats led by Sen. Wiener. As a result, Krell and Grove joined forces on AB 379, with the bipartisan backing leading many to hope for an eventual passage later this year.

A bipartisan AB 379

“I made a promise that I would never stop fighting for ALL children in the state of California and I intend to do just that,” said Senator Grove on Friday. “I am thrilled to partner with Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, a former federal prosecutor who handled major sex trafficking cases, to ensure children of all ages, are equally protected under the law and to provide resources to support survivors who have endured this horrific crime. Together, we are committed to strengthening protections for the most vulnerable among us.”

“If enacted, this law will fund community-based organizations helping victims escape sex trafficking while cracking down on those who are keeping the industry going,” added Assemblywoman Krell. “As Deputy Attorney General I spent years sending sex traffickers to prison, but there were never enough resources to help the victims, and in some cases, the victims were criminalized instead of those attempting to purchase sex acts with them. This law will change that.”

Sex trafficking victim groups and community organizations also came out in support of AB 379 on Friday.

“Early childhood sexual abuse and rape pushed me into exploitation,” said Marjorie Saylor, a survivor leader and advocate who serves as the San Diego District Attorney’s Care Coordinator & Director of Human Trafficking Services and Awareness. “I nearly lost my life at the hands of sex buyers on multiple occasions. Even as an adult, I was still trapped in the system of prostitution— it never felt consensual. This bill doesn’t just provide funding for victim support—it ensures that there are stronger legal tools to target the predators who keep this violent industry thriving by buying women and girls like me.”

Even with bipartisan backing, AB 379 is still expected to have some Democratic opposition. Senator Wiener is likely to oppose the bill, as he has fought hard against any SB 357 reversals in the past.

“There will be fights over this bill, that’s for sure,” said Dana, a Capitol staffer, to the Globe on Friday. “But AB 379 has Democrats and Republicans coming together. They have proved that the Wiener law from a few years ago worsened crime. So this has a real chance this year. But expect those fights. This isn’t going down quietly, and neither will it be passed quietly.”