In a decisive 33–2 vote Monday afternoon, the California State Senate gave final legislative approval to AB 379, a long-contested child protection bill aimed at holding sex buyers accountable and closing a legal loophole that left some teenage victims of sex trafficking without equal justice. 

The bill now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, and advocates for exploited children are watching closely. Newsom has already signaled support for major elements of the bill, raising hopes that this long-overdue protection will finally become law.

A Step Toward Justice for Every Child

AB 379 clarifies and strengthens California’s criminal code by making it a felony for an adult more than three years older than a 16- or 17-year-old to buy sex from that minor, even if prosecutors cannot prove the child was trafficked. Previously, state law allowed felony charges only if the victim was under 16, or if trafficking could be proven for older teens. The bill also creates a misdemeanor offense for sex buyers who loiter with the intent to purchase sex from anyone.

“This is a step forward to provide justice and protect victims of child sex trafficking,” said State Senator Jesse Arreguin during the final floor debate.

State Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), who authored a version of this proposal last year, was even more direct: “California must take action and hold buyers accountable; we have to reduce demand… We have to take a bold stand, and that’s exactly what AB 379 does.”

Divided Democrats and a Hijacked Bill

The journey to Monday’s vote has been tumultuous. Originally authored by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, a former sex crimes prosecutor, AB 379 became a flashpoint in a bitter intra-party feud among California Democrats. When Krell criticized Assembly leadership for weakening the bill,  watering down the penalties and removing her as author,  Speaker Robert Rivas stripped her name from the proposal entirely.

Public Safety Chair Nick Schultz became the new face of the bill, carrying it forward with several controversial amendments. Progressive Democrats repeatedly resisted restoring the bill’s original felony protections, citing concerns over immigration consequences and prosecutorial discretion.

Democratic Senators Scott Wiener and Chris Cabaldon voted against the bill on Monday. Senators Smallwood Cuevas, Limon, Richardson, and Weber-Pierson abstained.

Senator Wiener, who passed a bill in 2021 legalizing loitering for prostitution as part of his goal to legalize prostitution, strongly opposed the bill.  “The problem with loitering laws,” he argued. “It’s not about what you’re doing, it’s all about how you look.” Wiener also likened it to racially biased policing. But critics weren’t buying it.

“This isn’t about how someone looks standing on a corner. It’s about giving law enforcement tools to stop predators prowling for minors,” California Family Council Vice President Greg Burt noted. “Protecting 17-year-olds should not be controversial.”

The Courage of Survivors and Lawmakers

One of the most powerful voices in support of the original AB 379 has been Assemblyman David Tangipa, who shared a personal story of growing up in one of Sacramento’s most trafficked neighborhoods. He recalled seeing a teenage classmate disappear into a blue pickup truck.

“We never saw her again,” Tangipa said. Soliciting a minor “should be a felony every time.” 

What’s Next?

With Senate passage secured, all eyes now turn to Governor Newsom. While he previously pressured lawmakers to restore tougher penalties to the bill, it remains unclear whether he will sign it in its current form.

California Family Council calls on the Governor to act swiftly and sign AB 379 into law.

“There is no such thing as a child prostitute,” said Burt. “Every minor exploited in the sex trade is a victim — and every adult who purchases them is a criminal. We must send a clear and unified message: children are not for sale.”