Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove's efforts to pass Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414), aimed at strengthening protections for minor victims of commercial sex exploitation, faced a setback as the Senate Public Safety Committee rejected her proposal. The committee, instead, introduced amendments to the bill without Senator Grove's consent, altering the severity of penalties for those involved in purchasing children for sex.

Expressing her disappointment, Senator Grove stated, "I was blindsided when they amended my bill without my consent." She emphasized the importance of protecting children of all ages under the law and criticized the committee's decision to opt for lesser penalties, such as fines, for such egregious crimes.

The revised version of SB 1414 now allows the solicitation or purchase of children for sex to be punishable as a wobbler, potentially resulting in misdemeanor charges with minimal jail time or fines. The felony charge would only apply if the child involved is 15 years old or younger, and even then, the offender would not face prison time unless specific criteria are met.

Senator Grove, along with her joint authors and advocates, remains committed to fighting for the rights of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation. Despite the setback in the committee, they are actively discussing the next steps to ensure that adequate protections are in place for California's most vulnerable population.

In conclusion, Senator Grove's unwavering dedication to advocating for stronger laws against child sex trafficking reflects the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in the state.