California Governor Signs Bill to Combat Child Sex Trafficking

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senator Shannon Grove's Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414) into law, which significantly increases penalties for soliciting or purchasing sex from minors, raising such offenses from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under 16. The law also allows for felony charges against repeat offenders if the victims are between 16 and 17 years old, thereby enhancing legal tools available to prosecutors. Survivors of human trafficking played a pivotal role in shaping the legislation, advocating for stronger protections for vulnerable children. Senator Grove emphasized that this law represents a commitment to safeguarding children and that more work is needed in the fight against human trafficking. The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2025, alongside three other measures aimed at improving protections for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Critics note that while this is a substantial step, further reforms are necessary to strengthen the legal framework against trafficking in California compared to other states like Texas.