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Senate approves AB 379 to strengthen penalties for adults who solicit minors, adds loitering offense amid civil‑rights concerns
Summary
The California State Senate approved Assembly Bill 379, elevating certain purchases of sex with minors to a felony, creating a survivor support fund and a new loitering offense for intent to purchase; lawmakers voiced sharply divided views about the loitering provision and pledged further fixes.
The California State Senate on July 15 passed Assembly Bill 379, which raises criminal penalties for adults who solicit minors and creates a survivor support fund, while also adding a loitering offense for people who loiter with the intent to purchase commercial sex. The bill passed the Senate by voice/roll-call with 33 ayes and 0 noes after extended floor debate.
AB 379, authored in the Assembly by Assemblymember Schultz and carried in the Senate by Senator Aragon, makes solicitation of a minor by an adult more than three years older a felony in some cases, authorizes a $1,000 fine directed to community-based survivor services, and adds tools for prosecutors including a new vertical prosecution grant program aimed at human‑trafficking cases. The bill also creates criminal and civil penalties for businesses alleged to be facilitating trafficking by failing to post notices or report suspected incidents.
Supporters described the bill as a needed step to hold buyers and businesses accountable, reduce demand for…
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