Senator Newman Introduces Bill to Protect Minors from Human Trafficking and Prostitution in California

Sacramento, Calif – Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced Senate Bill 1275 (SB 1275), a comprehensive bill designed to enhance law enforcement’s ability to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. SB 1275 will address a loophole in existing California law that hinders the ability of law enforcement to effectively intervene in cases involving the solicitation of minors for prostitution.

Although undercover decoys have proven to be one of the most effective strategies in combating prostitution, the absence of provisions permitting undercover operations targeting individuals soliciting minors has posed significant challenges in investigating, prosecuting, and preventing these crimes.

SB 1275 addresses the solicitation of minors for prostitution by including cases where the offender believes the person solicited to be a minor, even if the individual is 18 years or older. This will close a gap for conducting undercover operations targeting those soliciting minors for prostitution while mitigating investigative challenges and minimizing harm to minor victims.

SB 1275 will also update the Sex Offender Registration Act (Penal Code 290) to require registration for those convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and solicitation of a minor for prostitution. This ensures that individuals convicted of these crimes are subsequently appropriately monitored by law enforcement.

Senator Newman underscored the importance of the bill, saying, “Young people, especially in the face of all the pressures facing them, are arguably our most vulnerable population, and it’s critical that we take decisive action to protect them from exploitation and abuse. This bill is an important step forward in empowering law enforcement to intervene effectively and prevent the victimization of minors in our communities.”

“This critically important bill is a much-needed step in statewide efforts to protect minors from sexual offenses,” said Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. “I am proud to work with and commend the California State Legislature for introducing legislation that will assist law enforcement in protecting the most vulnerable victims from prostitution and sex trafficking.”

Statistics from the California Child Welfare Council emphasize the urgency of addressing human trafficking, which is estimated to be a $32 billion industry impacting over 100,000 children in the United States. California consistently leads the nation in reported human trafficking cases, with cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego identified as high-risk areas for child prostitution.

From 2020 to 2023, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office received 1,747 criminal referrals for soliciting prostitution from an adult. Only 10 referrals were submitted for soliciting a minor during the same period. The stark disparity highlights the challenge of enforcing the solicitation of prostitution from adults versus minors. Permitting law enforcement agencies to conduct undercover operations targeting individuals soliciting minors for prostitution is essential in deterring offenders and safeguarding vulnerable youth from exploitation.

To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.

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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.