California: Governor Newsom Signs Law Cracking Down on Sex Trafficking of Minors
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SACRAMENTO ~ Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, State Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), State Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), and survivors and advocates, signed SB 14 (Grove) into law on Tuesday to steepen penalties for human trafficking of minors in California. The law designates human trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act as a serious felony — including under the state's "Three Strikes" law — and imposes harsher penalties and sentencing enhancements for individuals convicted of the crime.

At the signing ceremony, Governor Newsom said, "Human trafficking is a sick crime. With this new law, California is going further to protect kids. I'm grateful for the leadership of Senator Grove, Speaker Rivas, and Pro Tem Atkins in spearheading this bipartisan effort to make our communities and children safer."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added her thoughts on the issue saying, "The trafficking of young women and girls is a heinous crime with far too many victims. I've seen the pain survivors carry for a lifetime and having recently visited the infamous Figueroa sex trafficking corridor, I've witnessed the devastating impacts of these crimes — not just on girls and young women — but on entire communities when trafficking persists. That's why I am especially grateful to Senator Grove for her assiduousness in combating human trafficking and helping ensure California is a safer place for women and children."

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Senator Shannon Grove expressed her gratitude to Governor Newsom saying "I want to thank the Governor for signing SB 14, today is a huge victory for California's children and the survivors of sex trafficking who have long fought for justice. With the passage of this bill, we are sending a clear message to child traffickers — we intend to put you out of business and behind bars where you belong."

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins commented that "Strengthening our laws to better protect minors from sex trafficking is not only legislatively the right thing to do, it is morally the right thing to do." Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas added that "SB 14 reinforces [California's] commitment."

The legislation was co-authored by 64 members of the Legislature with support from over 100 local, national and international organizations including a coalition of human trafficking survivors and advocates. Since 2019, California has taken steps towards combatting human trafficking with an investment totaling $280 million towards taking down traffickers as well as providing support programs for victims/survivors such as Family Justice Centers which provide one-stop facilities for victims/survivors to access services. The state has also allocated $25 million towards prevention/intervention services specifically targeting minor victims/survivors of commercial sexual exploitation while also providing funding towards Human Trafficking Task Forces at California Department of Justice which have led numerous arrests as well as assistance provided towards victims/survivors.

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Governor Newsom has signed multiple bills in order to strengthen legal protections against human traffickers including provisions such as vacating convictions or considering trauma during sentencing proceedings. It is hoped that SB 14 will help further these efforts in protecting minors from becoming victims/survivors while also providing justice against those who commit such heinous crimes against them.

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