| Published April 29, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA — A contentious battle over child sex trafficking legislation has reignited in California’s State Assembly, as Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee blocked a bill that would have made sex trafficking of minors a felony offense once again. The proposal, introduced by newly elected Democratic Assemblymember Maggy Krell—a former prosecutor with 20 years of experience handling trafficking cases—faced an abrupt halt, despite mounting public concern.
The bill’s failure to advance has sparked outrage across party lines and among child advocacy groups, who see it as a missed opportunity to strengthen protections for minors. Krell’s proposal sought to close a loophole in California law that punishes traffickers of 18-year-olds more harshly than those trafficking minors, a disparity she labeled as “a disgrace.”
“This bill was about protecting children, plain and simple,” Krell said in an interview with KCRA 3. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and I’m not going to quit now. I will bring this part of the bill back every year until I get the books to protect children.”
According to Krell, her bill was removed from the Public Safety Committee’s agenda just days before it was expected to be heard. She was informed it could only return if certain parts were stripped out—an ultimatum that she said undermines the core intent of the legislation.
Republican Senator Shannon Grove, who has pushed for tougher penalties on traffickers, did not mince words: “It’s completely evil.” Grove’s frustration was echoed by Assemblymember Kevin Shultz, chair of the Public Safety Committee, who acknowledged that last year’s legislative agreement was still shaping the fate of this year’s proposal.
“My perspective as chair, there was a carefully crafted deal last year,” Shultz said. “We’re not saying no, but what we’re saying is if we’re going to be thoughtful policy makers, we really need to dive deep into this issue.”
That deal refers to California’s 2022 move to decriminalize loitering for prostitution, a decision that Krell’s current bill sought to partially roll back. Her measure would reinstate penalties for individuals caught loitering with the intent to buy sex—what she called “creeps in cars”—imposing a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000, with funds directed toward trafficking survivor support.
While Krell has been forced to move forward with a scaled-down version of the bill, she insists the fight is not over. “It’s still a really hard bill. I’m hustling to even get the votes on this with the hearing tomorrow,” she said.
Critics argue that the Legislature’s unwillingness to revisit aspects of last year’s reforms is placing politics ahead of public safety. Supporters of the bill, including victims’ advocates and law enforcement officials, say it’s imperative to send a clear message that sex trafficking of children will not be tolerated.
As the debate continues, California finds itself at the crossroads of progressive criminal justice reform and the urgent need to protect vulnerable youth. For Krell and her allies, the message is clear: the fight for justice and accountability isn’t over—it’s just beginning.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the blocked child sex trafficking bill:
✅ Pros
1. Public Safety and Justice for Victims
The bill aimed to reinstate felony penalties for the sex trafficking of minors—a move conservatives overwhelmingly support. Conservatives argue that failing to impose strict consequences on such heinous crimes undermines justice and enables repeat offenders.
2. Deterrence through Stronger Penalties
Conservatives believe that tough-on-crime laws serve as a deterrent. Reinstating felony charges would send a clear message to traffickers and buyers that California will not tolerate the exploitation of children.
3. Restoring Law and Order
The bill partly reverses aspects of previous reforms, like the 2022 decriminalization of loitering for prostitution. Conservatives view such laws as contributing to street-level crime and the breakdown of community safety—reinstating penalties aligns with efforts to restore order to urban areas.
4. Support for Survivors
The proposed fines going into a fund for trafficking survivors appeals to conservatives focused on victim-centered justice. It ties punishment to meaningful restitution.
5. Bipartisan Credibility
The bill’s sponsor is a Democrat with a law enforcement background, which could lend credibility across the aisle and help conservatives argue the bill isn’t politically motivated, but a matter of principle and child safety.
❌ Cons
1. Political Gridlock and Legislative Deals
From a conservative angle, last year’s legislative “deal” obstructing this bill is viewed as insider politics gone wrong. Conservatives often criticize bureaucratic barriers that block common-sense laws.
2. Incremental Reform Dilutes Impact
Krell’s decision to proceed with a watered-down version of the bill is seen by some conservatives as settling for too little. They argue that partial measures won’t fix systemic problems or hold offenders fully accountable.
3. Missed Opportunity to Push Broader Reform
Conservatives may view this blocked effort as a missed opportunity to revisit failed progressive policies, such as broad decriminalization efforts that inadvertently protect predators rather than victims.
4. Weak Political Will
The refusal of committee leadership to allow the bill to move forward may be perceived as an example of the Democratic majority prioritizing ideology over child safety—fueling conservative concerns about misplaced legislative priorities.
Conclusion
SOURCES: BREITBART – California Democrats Block Bill to Make Sex Trafficking of Minors a Felony — Again
KCRA 3 – California lawmakers to block effort to make it a felony to buy 16 and 17-year-olds for sex
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