California Senate adopts resolution recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month

The California State Senate on the floor adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and calling for renewed focus on prevention, survivor services and prosecution.

Senator Shannon Grove, sponsor of SCR 112, said the resolution recognizes recent state efforts to strengthen penalties and provide services for survivors and cited a Sept. 2024 Placer County traffic stop that led to the rescue of two 15-year-old girls and subsequent charges under Penal Code section 236.1. "We've had a lot of work done, and California should be proud," Grove said, urging colleagues to support the measure.

Senators from both parties spoke in support. Senator Richard Rubio said trafficking can affect very young children and urged vigilance, saying, "If you see a child struggling... we have to be vigilant." Senator Janet Choi cited local enforcement data and described a multi-agency operation in Orange County that led to 56 trafficking arrests and the rescue of 16 victims in 2022. Senator Maria Valadez warned that traffickers increasingly recruit online and noted law enforcement rescues in Los Angeles County, and Senator Aisha Wahab pressed for survivor-centered policies, saying, "We cannot arrest our way out of slavery. We must prevent it. We must fund survivor services."

Grove closed debate reiterating concerns about online platforms and gaming systems and asked for members' support. The Secretary called the roll; the Senate recorded "Ayes 38, no 0," and the resolution was adopted.

The resolution is commemorative and does not create new statutory duties or an appropriation. Sponsors said the measure aims to keep public attention on trafficking trends and to encourage continued legislative and enforcement efforts. The Senate did not attach further implementing actions to the resolution during this session.