Following significant public pressure, Democratic lawmakers in California have reinstated a previously stalled bill aimed at combating child trafficking. Senate Bill 14 seeks to strengthen penalties for those convicted of this crime, classifying it as a serious felony. Under the proposed legislation, individuals with three or more serious felony convictions could face a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment.
Governor Gavin Newsom played a key role in reviving the bill after it was initially rejected by the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The committee's initial decision stemmed from concerns about the effectiveness of longer prison sentences as a deterrent. Newsom's public endorsement of the bill, originally introduced by Republican Senator Shannon Grove, led to a shift in the Democrats' stance. The committee ultimately voted to advance the bill without amendments, with bipartisan support.
Assemblymember Liz Ortega, who initially voted against the bill, publicly acknowledged her error and pledged to support its passage. The bill will now proceed to the Appropriations Committee for review before a final vote in the Assembly. Committee chair Reggie Jones-Sawyer indicated that potential amendments might be considered to ensure that trafficking victims are not penalized and to address concerns about potential disproportionate impact on certain demographics.
Jones-Sawyer expressed a commitment to ensuring the bill reaches Governor Newsom's desk for signature, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation on this critical issue.
