California Democratic Assemblymembers to support AB 379
(FOX40.COM) — In a reversal, democratic Assemblymembers will support Assembly Bill 379, the controversial bill regarding the solicitation of sex from 16- and 17-year-olds, Public Safety Chair Asm. Nick Schultz's office announced Tuesday.
Schultz and Asm. Stephanie Nguyen worked with Asm. Maggy Krell, the original author of the bill, on a version that makes it a felony to purchase sex from 16 and 17-year-olds, except when the buyer is within 3 years of the age of the victim. In such cases, the crime remains a misdemeanor.
Video: Child sex trafficking bill advances amid controversy (April 29)
According to Schultz's office, the bill also funds survivor services and a grant program 'to assist district attorneys in streamlining prosecution of human trafficking crimes.'
'Human trafficking and child exploitation are serious problems in California deserving of tough and nuanced legislative solutions,' Schultz said. 'I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Rivas, Assemblymember Nguyen and others who have worked tirelessly the last few days to secure a Democratic solution that strengthens California's existing laws and penalties. This is a bill we can all be proud of, and I look forward to closely working together with all of our co-authors to deliver a safer California for everyone, especially our children.'
The bill has been a source of controversy in the legislature in recent weeks.
The bill failed to pass twice in the Assembly, gaining little Democratic support beyond Krell. The bill only gained enough votes to pass when the primary provision, making it a felony to solicit sex from all minors, was removed.
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