Portantino Bill Protecting Children from Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate Floor
For Immediate Release: May 22, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Bill Protecting Children from Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate Floor
Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 1128 passed the Senate floor today. The bill is authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and sponsored by Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. SB 1128 seeks to combat human and sex trafficking and protect California’s youth from exploitation.
“It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect vulnerable children and hold offenders accountable,” 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. Failing to require registration for engaging in unlawful sex with a minor is unacceptable and appalling.”
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 a person to register as a tier one sex offender for 10 years if the person is convicted of statutory rape when the age difference is more than 10 years between the victim and perpetrator.
“I am pleased that Senate Bill 1128 passed the Senate floor today and that we are another step closer to holding accountable sex offenders who target children and minors,” said Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. “This legislation is critical to ensuring that we strengthen laws to combat sex and human trafficking, and that we protect the most vulnerable victims.”
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, The Teen Project, Inc.
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