Assembly adopts substitute amendments to AB 379, sends bill to Appropriations after heated floor debate

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on April 20 adopted substitute floor amendments to Assembly Bill 379 after an extended and at times emotional debate over whether the law should classify purchasing a 16- or 17-year-old for sexual purposes as a felony.

Assemblymember Schultz, who offered the floor amendments, said the changes were drafted to "deliver a product that truly does ensure that California continues to care for the safety and well-being of every single child," and urged colleagues to support the amendments.

The debate centered on whether the amendments preserve criminal penalties and protections for 16- and 17-year-olds. Assemblymember Maggie Krell, the legislator who framed the original bill, argued the state must treat minors who are bought for sex as victims and said, "If you're 17 years old on a street corner and an old man comes up and purchases you for sex, that's rape. The exchange of money doesn't change that." Krell said she did not object to removing her name from the bill but insisted the law must clearly protect minors.

Assem…