Senator Shannon Grove, representing Bakersfield, has joined forces with Assemblywoman Maggy Krell from Sacramento to co-sponsor Assembly Bill 379. This legislative proposal aims to bolster support for survivors of sex trafficking and address the demand that perpetuates this issue. The bill seeks to establish a fund for community organizations aiding victims, criminalize loitering with the intent to purchase sex, and ensure that purchasing a minor for sex is penalized in all cases involving victims under 18.
Senator Grove expressed her commitment: “I made a promise that I would never stop fighting for ALL children in the state of California and I intend to do just that.” She added, “Together, we are committed to strengthening protections for the most vulnerable among us.”
Assemblywoman Krell highlighted the bill’s potential impact: “If enacted, this law will fund community-based organizations helping victims escape sex trafficking while cracking down on those who are keeping the industry going.” She noted her past experience as Deputy Attorney General dealing with sex traffickers but emphasized the lack of resources for victims.
Sex trafficking remains prevalent in California, particularly affecting impoverished neighborhoods and vulnerable groups such as women of color, LGBTQ youth, and foster care children. The state’s decriminalization of loitering for prostitution in 2022 has reportedly complicated law enforcement efforts against trafficking.
Sawan Vaden from Community Against Sexual Harm described the situation in Sacramento: “That’s the amount of demand that is on our streets…for every victim you see, there are at least fifteen men in cars lined up to buy sex.”
Survivor advocate Marjorie Saylor shared her personal experience: “Early childhood sexual abuse and rape pushed me into exploitation…This bill doesn’t just provide funding for victim support—it ensures stronger legal tools to target predators.”
AB 379 includes several key provisions:
– Establishment of a Survivor Support Fund using fines from offenders.
– Making loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex a misdemeanor.
– Ensuring penalties apply when minors are involved.
– Offering diversion rather than criminal penalties for certain prostitution charges.
Supporters like Vanessa Russell from Love Never Fails and Ashlie Bryant from 3Strands Global Foundation have voiced their backing. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis praised Assemblywoman Krell’s efforts: “Human trafficking is a crisis that demands urgent action…AB 379 will help strengthen enforcement.”
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper emphasized targeting buyers: “Demand drives this criminal industry…we can take meaningful steps to dismantle these operations.” District Attorneys Thien Ho and Summer Stephan also endorsed the bill’s focus on providing law enforcement with necessary tools.
The bill is supported by various organizations including Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), Love Never Fails, and 3Strands Global Foundation. Other notable supporters include San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.
