Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that her bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 1414 (SB 1414), has passed through the California State Legislature and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB 1414 aims to increase penalties for those who purchase children for sex, addressing the issue of sex trafficking.

“Today, the California State Legislature reaffirmed its commitment to end the sex trafficking of children by passing my bill, SB 1414,” said Senator Shannon Grove. "By increasing penalties for those who solicit or purchase children for sex, we are sending a clear message—California's children are no longer for sale. While I am disappointed in the forced amendments that excluded some minors, I am pleased with this step forward. We know there is still work to be done and I will continue to fight to protect ALL children."

“I am incredibly thankful for the coalition of survivors, advocates and organizations that have stood strong and shared their testimony in order to pass this measure. Together we have made historic changes in the laws surrounding human trafficking, from pulling back the curtain on the dark underworld of one of the most lucrative crimes in the world, to fighting relentlessly to protect California’s children from those who wish to exploit them. The signing of this measure will mark another historic step to ending human trafficking in the state of California," concluded Senator Grove.

Governor Newsom has until September 30th to sign SB 1414 into law.