California lawmakers significantly altered a proposed law, AB 379, that aimed to make paying for sex with minors aged 16 and 17 a felony. The bill was amended by Democratic committee members who required the clause to be cut for it to advance. Bill author Maggy Krell, experienced in human trafficking oversight, described the decision as disgraceful and vowed to persist in advocating for the protection of children. While the current version includes tougher penalties on loitering to purchase sex and a fund for victims, the withdrawal reflects prior legislative compromises that shaped the bill's trajectory.
The changes to AB 379, which was intended to criminalize paying for sex with 16- and 17-year-olds, reflect a compromise among legislators focused on policy depth.
Maggy Krell views the rejection of the bill clause as a 'disgrace,' emphasizing her commitment to protecting minors from sex trafficking.
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