Assembly Democrat leadership failed to protect children by not passing a straightforward felony penalty for buying 16- and 17-year-old minors for sex. Instead, they amended the bill with vague “intent” language that does little to hold predators accountable, ultimately requiring teenage victims to prove they were trafficked to seek justice. This means that if victims cannot meet this burden, their abusers may escape punishment.
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized this decision, emphasizing that buying a minor for sex should be a felony and expressing disbelief that some lawmakers oppose such a measure. Despite attempts from Republicans to block the changes, the vote predominantly followed party lines, with most Assembly Democrats supporting a version that leaves loopholes.
This decision represents a deliberate choice that sends a troubling message to predators in California. Assembly Republicans remain committed to fighting for stronger protections for children, insisting that they deserve genuine safety rather than inadequate legal measures.
