California’s unanimous Assembly vote on AB 379 marks a fierce legal shift, making it a felony to buy sex from minors under 17.
At a Glance
- The anti-sex trafficking bill AB 379 passed the California Assembly with 72 YAY votes and 0 NAY votes, with some members abstaining
- The bill criminalizes purchasing minors under 17 for sex as a felony
- It faces potential challenges in the Senate but is supported by Governor Gavin Newsom
- The bill imposes hefty penalties on perpetrators and supports victim services
AB 379 Redefines Justice
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, California’s AB 379 passed the State Assembly with zero opposing votes, aiming to eradicate longstanding legal loopholes shielding predators. The bill makes it a felony to purchase sex from minors aged 16 and 17, closing a gap that had allowed offenders to avoid the harshest penalties if the victim wasn’t under 16.
Watch a report: AB 379 Passes With Zero No Votes.
The bill gained momentum after Assembly Democrats, including Speaker Robert Rivas, reversed earlier resistance following public outcry and media scrutiny. Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced support, reinforcing a state commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks. AB 379 also mandates education programs for offenders, emphasizing not just punishment but deterrence and rehabilitation.
Serious Penalties, Real Resources
AB 379 isn’t symbolic. It introduces fines for establishments and individuals involved in trafficking, enhances sentencing, and creates the Survivor Support Fund, offering resources like trauma counseling and job training. It also criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase commercial sex—targeting demand as a root cause.
State Senator Shannon Grove, the bill’s lead sponsor, delivered a powerful message: “If you buy or sell children for sex, we want you removed from society.” Backed by Democratic co-author Assemblymember Maggy Krell, Grove’s push marks a model of cross-aisle collaboration focused on child protection over party lines.
Still, the bill now enters the California Senate’s crucible, where critics like Senator Scott Wiener may challenge its specifics. Yet with unified Assembly support and Newsom’s backing, AB 379 appears poised to clear the final hurdle.
Future of Trafficking Law Reform
Grove’s legacy initiative doesn’t stop with legislation. As she prepares to exit public office in 2026, her mentorship of Krell ensures the momentum continues. Krell has identified urban trafficking hotspots, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, where demand remains high and enforcement scarce.
Fines collected under the new law will fund rehabilitative services for survivors, delivering real-world support and reducing recidivism. “The demand for sex trafficking is continuing to drive the industry,” Krell warned, highlighting the socioeconomic complexity of the crisis.
As AB 379 advances, it represents more than just a new statute—it’s a seismic recalibration of California’s role in the fight against child exploitation.
