XPost: talk.politics.misc, alt.california, alt.politics.democrats
XPost: alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, sac.politics
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The controversy is far from over for a bill that
aimed to strengthen laws to protect teens from prostitution.
AB 379 aimed to fix the current law—that only makes it a felony in cases
where the victims are under the age of 16.
Right now, it’s a misdemeanor if the victims are ages 16 or 17.
The original bill was written by Assemblymember Maggy Krell of Sacramento.
The democrat and former prosecutor said while there are laws to protect
teens, they don't mention prostitution, and she wanted to close that loop.
“We need to say loud and clear that if you’re under 18-- a child, a minor
-- that the person who is buying that person should be charged as a
felony. Sex without consent is rape. The exchange of money doesn’t change that,” Krell said.
In the Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing earlier in the week, some democrats expressed concerns the harsher penalties could unfairly affect
the LGBTQ community, people of color, and 18 and 19 year olds-- who are in relationships with teenagers younger than them.
Committee Chair, Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz of Burbank,
decided to amend the bill.
He removed language related to the victims’ ages – and also took Krell’s
name off the bill.
“It is the intent of the legislature to adopt the strongest laws to
protect 16 and 17-year-old victims and strengthen protections in support
of survivors of human trafficking,” Schultz said.
That statement drew criticism from both sides of the aisle.
“What does that mean? We have to wait for informational hearings in the
fall? How many 16 and 17-year-olds are going to go through the trauma of
this before we do something?” said Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo (R-
Tulare).
“It should be a felony every time and any time someone wants to purchase a child for sex,” said Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis).
"You sit there and you water down the penalties. You’re paying lip service
to the 16 and 17-year-old victims of sex crimes!" said Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego).
Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) added, “Any sane person knows the purchasing a 16 and 17-year-old for sex should be a felony not a
misdemeanor. This should not be a debate.”
Ten democrats crossed party lines and voted against the amended bill -- including Fresno Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula.
Even so, it got enough votes.
Governor Gavin Newsom had voiced his support for the bill, in its original form.
https://kmph.com/news/local/assembly-passes-watered-down-version-of-teen- sex-trafficking-bill-ab379
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