Senator Portantino Introduces Bill to Protect California’s Youth From Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
For Immediate Release: February 16, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Introduces Bill to Protect California’s Youth From Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 1128, a measure authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) to combat human and sex trafficking and protect California’s youth from exploitation, was introduced this week. The issue was brought foward by Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, who will be collaborating with Senator Portantino as this bill moves through the legislative process.
“It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect vulnerable youth and hold offenders accountable,” stated Senator Portantino. “Failing to require registration for engaging in unlawful activity with a minor is unacceptable and appalling. As the father of two wonderful daughters, this issue breaks my heart and I am determined to do what I can to help stem the tide of trafficking in our state and I’m hopeful that this bill will help.”
California has standards requiring sex offender registration for all those convicted of a wide variety of sexual offenses. However, current law does not require adults convicted of unlawful sexual activity with a minor in violation of Penal Code section 261.5(c) or (d) to be listed on the sex offender registry.
SB 1128 requires sex offender registration if an offender engages in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, other than a spouse, and the minor is more than three (3) years younger than the offender or if the offender is over 21 years of age and the minor is under 16 years of age.
“I am proud to work with the California State Legislature on this critically important bill that will help reduce the demand for sex and human trafficking of minors,” said Los Angeles City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein Soto. “Combating sex and human trafficking is a priority of mine and I commend the state legislature for introducing legislation that recognizes the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking and strengthens laws to deter and hold accountable the sex offenders who target children and minors.”
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