Portantino Bill Protecting Teenage Girls from Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passed Assembly Public Safety Committee

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2024

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Portantino Bill Protecting Teenage Girls from Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Passed Assembly Public Safety Committee

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 approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee. Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is a sponsor of SB 1128, and the measure was unanimously supported by the Los Angeles City Council.

“Failing to require registration for engaging in unlawful sexual 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 sexual exploitation in our state and I’m hopeful this bill will help. It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect vulnerable youth 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 will require tier one sex offender registration if an offender engages in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and the offender is more than 10 years older than the minor.

“This is another positive step toward holding sexual predators of minors accountable, helping law enforcement and vindicating the most vulnerable victims - our children,” said Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles City Attorney. “Protecting our kids has been one of my priorities since taking office, and SB 1128 closes an existing loophole in our registration so as to assist law enforcement and deter sex offenders who target teenage girls. I am proud to partner with Senator Portantino on this critically important bill.”

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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