The county board of supervisors has taken a significant step in the fight against teenage sex trafficking by supporting proposed state legislation aimed at protecting victims.
Supervisor Jim Desmond put forth a motion to back Assembly Bill 379, which was articulated by Shane Harris of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates and co-authored by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento.
The proposed bill addresses a crucial loophole in current law that offers protection only to children up to age 15 in felony sex trafficking cases.
AB 379 seeks to extend these protections to include 16- and 17-year-olds, ensuring that no child is for sale in California, as highlighted by Desmond’s office.
In addition to expanding victim protections, the legislation aims to enhance services for survivors and bolster law enforcement efforts in trafficking cases.
“This bill reverses dangerous loopholes created by past legislation that enabled traffickers and punished victims,” Desmond stated on Wednesday.
He emphasized that AB 379 reflects the community’s values and commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable population.
During the meeting, Supervisor Joel Anderson participated via teleconference but left before casting his vote on the item.
In presenting the bill, Desmond noted that it enjoys widespread bipartisan support, including endorsements from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, District Attorney Summer Stephan, and the People’s Association of Justice Advocates.
Desmond clarified that the bill does not criminalize the victims caught in exploitation but instead targets traffickers and buyers.
Furthermore, AB 379 would create a survivors’ support fund generated through fees and fines paid by offenders to aid victims with job training, recovery, and other essential needs.
San Diego has been identified as a significant hub for human trafficking, and Desmond underscored the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from exploitation.
The bill is scheduled for discussion at the Assembly Public Safety Committee meeting on April 29, according to Krell’s office.
Public comments during the meeting revealed strong support for the legislation.
Among those advocating for the bill was Marjorie Saylor, a survivor sponsor of AB 379, along with a representative from Chula Vista Mayor John McCann’s office.
One caller emphasized the necessity of the bill, stating, “It’s the right thing to do. We need to protect minors, we need to protect children, we need to protect victims.”
Another female caller highlighted that human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the United States, with California ranking among the top four states for this illegal activity.
Desmond acknowledged the comments and reiterated the bill’s importance in addressing these pressing issues in the community.
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe also expressed her support for AB 379 but raised concerns regarding specific language in the bill that could unintentionally criminalize individuals with harmless intentions, such as talking to or driving near a person.
Desmond agreed and supported Montgomery Steppe’s proposal to urge the chief administrative officer to advocate for clearer definitions of the offense’s elements in the legislative language.
Montgomery Steppe praised Desmond for his willingness to amend the bill and thanked the advocates who shared their experiences during the meeting.
“I don’t take folks who come here with lived experience for granted,” she added, underscoring the importance of considering survivor voices in legislative discussions.
Desmond introduced the proposal during a news conference earlier in the week, alongside Harris, Carolyn Matzger, a county deputy district attorney specializing in sex crimes and human trafficking, McCann, Susan Munsey, a sex-trafficking survivor, and Marisa Ugarte, founder of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition.
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