California Democrats Reverse Course on Child Sex Trafficking Bill | JQJO

California Assembly Democrats reversed course on a bill, AB 379, adding back a proposed automatic felony for buying sex with 16 and 17-year-olds. This follows pressure from Gov. Newsom and other lawmakers. The felony won't apply if the adult is within three years of the minor's age. Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who initially had her name removed from the bill, will be reinstated as a co-author. The bill also aims to strengthen laws against loitering for sex and create a fund for victims. The revised bill faces further scrutiny in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and the State Senate.