Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends sections 52.6 and 52.65 of the Civil Code to make increased punishment applicable if the solicited minor was more than 3 years younger than the defendant at the time of the offense.

Highlights:

• Expands penalties for individuals who solicit a minor for prostitution to include harsher punishment in cases where the defendant is more than three years older than the solicited minor (Sec. 4).

• Requires defendants in cases subject to the increased punishment to complete an educational program on human trafficking and child exploitation (Sec. 4).

• Classifies loitering in a public place with intent to purchase commercial sex as a misdemeanor (Sec. 4).

• Establishes a $1,000 fine for the crime described in the previous paragraph, or for other violations of prostitution solicitation, and establishes the Survivor Support Fund in which the fine will be deposited (Sec. 5).

• Requires the California Victim Compensation Board to establish a grant program for community-based organizations that provide direct services and outreach to victims of sex trafficking and exploitation (Sec. 5).

• Increases the penalty for establishments that fail to post information regarding human trafficking in the following amounts (Sec. 2):

• From $500 to $1,000 for a first violation; and

• From $1,000 to $2,000 for subsequent violations.

• Authorizes the court to increase the penalty for a third or subsequent violation up to $10,000 (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce provisions of civil penalties against hotels or hotel employees who allow or contribute to sex trafficking within the hotel (Sec. 3).

• Increases the penalty imposed against hotels for violations of sex trafficking on its premises in the following amounts (Sec. 3):

• From $1,000 to $3,000 for a first violation;

• From $3,000 to $10,000 for a second violation; and

• From $10,000 to $15,000 for subsequent violations.

• Authorizes the court to increase the penalty for a fourth or subsequent violation up to $40,000 (Sec. 3).

• Requires the Office of Emergency Services to allocate funds to up to 11 district attorney offices for the prosecution of human trafficking crimes, and to report on the prosecutions resulting from this funding to the Legislature and Governor by January 1, 2028 (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that this Act does not require reimbursement of local agencies or school districts for costs mandated by the state (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text