AB 379 is a bill that would have made sex trafficking a minor in California a felony. Sounds reasonable. In fact, we should ask ourselves why this isn’t the law already!
Now let’s get to the absurdity of the situation. The democrat-led Assembly Public Safety Committee gutted the legislation authored by one of their own – Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento).
This move sparked a heated debate on the Assembly floor on Thursday. KMJ hosts took up the matter Friday.
Asmb. Esmarelda Soria (D-Fresno) is keeping mum on the matter, refusing to explain her vote.
“Buying a minor for sex must be a felony,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher. “It’s unbelievable that some lawmakers are opposed to this. If we aren’t protecting the most vulnerable among us, what are we doing?”
David Tangipa (R-Clovis) called Assemblymember Krell a “hero” on the Assembly floor.
Krell spent 20 years investigating human trafficking and was a prosecutor for the Department of Justice before being elected to the Assembly in 2024. According to a report by KCRA, she filed AB 379 to restore some loitering for prostitution laws that were loosened in California in 2022, and the automatic felony for those who buy or solicit 16- and 17-year-olds. Instead of reviving Krell’s automatic felony proposal, Democrats voted to strip the bill entirely from her.
Asmb. Nick Schultz is the Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. Contact his officer here:
