By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media

A bill Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) authored addressing sex trafficking and aiming to increase penalties for those who purchase children for sex made it out of the Assembly with a 73-0 vote one day before the final day of the Legislative session.

Senate Bill (SB) 1414, titled “Crimes: Solicitation of a minor,” would apply to defendants who are 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense. Senators Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) are co-authors of the bill.

“By increasing penalties for those who solicit or purchase children for sex, we are sending a clear message: California’s children are no longer for sale,” Grove stated. “While I am disappointed in the forced amendments that excluded some minors, I am pleased with this step forward. We know there is still work to be done and I will continue to fight to protect all children.”

According to SB 1414’s language, if the person solicited for sex was under 16 years of age, or if the person solicited was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense and the person solicited was a victim of human trafficking, the offense would be punishable as a “wobbler,” meaning prosecutors can either charge the suspect with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law or veto it.

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