The California Assembly's Public Safety Committee has unexpectedly rejected a bill designed to classify child trafficking as a "serious felony," drawing strong criticism from victims' advocates and Republican lawmakers. Senate Bill 14 aimed to equate the gravity of child trafficking with offenses like murder and rape, potentially leading to harsher sentences. However, the committee voted against the measure, prompting outrage and accusations of prioritizing criminals over victims.
The decision sparked emotional responses, with some attendees audibly expressing their disapproval during the committee meeting. California GOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson condemned the decision, stating that Democrats on the committee demonstrated a lack of commitment to protecting Californians, especially children. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher echoed this sentiment, accusing Democrats of enabling "monsters" instead of holding them accountable. Reports indicate that no Democrats on the committee voted in favor of the bill, while both Republican members supported it.
Despite the setback, the bill has been granted reconsideration, leaving open the possibility of revisiting the issue next year. Notably, S.B. 14 had previously passed the California Senate unanimously with bipartisan support in May. Meanwhile, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to address the issue of human trafficking on the company's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. A recent report highlighted the exploitation of children in the metaverse, prompting Moody's request for Zuckerberg to discuss preventative measures with Florida's Statewide Council on Human Trafficking. Statistics reveal that Facebook was the most frequently used platform for recruiting human trafficking victims between 2019 and 2022.
