Great news! Thanks to your prayers and calls, AB 3080, aimed at reducing the ability of minors to gain access to adult websites, has passed the Assembly. Let’s keep this momentum going and turn our attention to an equally critical issue—protecting kids from sex trafficking. California has failed to make the actions of the buyer or “john” a serious crime. Sen. Shannon Grove (R-District 12) introduced SB 1414 earlier this year, which was intended to make buying children for sex a felony (currently, it is just a misdemeanor) punishable by imprisonment, fine, and registered as a sex offender.

Sen. Grove said, “We’re going after those who buy sex from children. It’s time to send a clear message—not one more child.”

Unfortunately, several Senate Public Safety Committee members forced hostile amendments, which Sen. Grove rejected, onto the bill before passing it to the Appropriations Committee. Now, SB 1414 will not apply to victims who are 16 or 17; the buyer must have known the victim was a minor, and the first offense will be a “wobbler,” meaning it could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

SB 1414 bill is now poised for a Senate floor vote ANY DAY. While as it is, there is some improvement to current law, it is hoped that the original language will be replaced before the floor vote. Please encourage your state senator to vote YES on SB 1414 as Sen. Grove proposed the bill. Together, we can safeguard our children and ensure that those who exploit them face severe consequences.

Please email or call your State Senator using our ACTION CENTER and urge them to vote YES on SB 1414 as Sen. Grove proposed the bill. Now is the time to act and make a difference!

Thank you for your support.

Marlo Tucker
State Director