Portantino Bill Protecting Children from Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate Public Safety Committee
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Bill Protecting Children from Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate Public Safety Committee
Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 1128, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) to combat human and sex trafficking and protect California’s youth from exploitation, was approved by the Senate Public Safety Committee today. Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is sponsoring the bill.
“Failing to require registration for engaging in unlawful activity with a minor is unacceptable and appalling,” stated Senator Portantino. “As the father of two 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. It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect vulnerable children and hold offenders accountable.”
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 tier one sex offender registration for 10 years if an offender engages in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, other than a spouse, and the minor is more than three years younger than the offender or if the offender is over 21 years of age and the minor is under 16 years of age, unless the offender was not more than 10 years older than the minor and if that offense is the only one requiring the offender to register.
“This legislation will go a long way toward reducing the demand for the sex and human trafficking of minors and assisting law enforcement identify potential suspects when a child is sexually exploited,” said Los Angeles City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein Soto. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Portantino on this bill and applaud the State Legislature for moving legislation that strengthens laws to deter and hold accountable sex offenders who target children and minors.”
SB 1128 is supported by the California District Attorneys Association, Center for Assault Treatment Services, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Los Angeles County Prosecutors Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, SISTAHFRIENDS, and The Teen Project, Inc.
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