Fact check:
Summary:
CA lawmakers block provision
California lawmakers blocked a provision in Assembly Bill 379 that would have made it a felony to purchase sex from 16 and 17-year-olds.
Parts of bill advance
Parts of the bill advancing victim support and anti-loitering measures moved forward.
Critics cite language of bill
Critics raised concerns about over-criminalization and unintended consequences, while committee leaders urged a cautious approach to legal changes.
Why it matters:
Legislation conflict
Lawmakers are divided on how to effectively address child sex trafficking without creating unintended consequences.
Inadvertent felons
Some advocates feared a felony provision in the original bill would lead to charges against some young adults in consensual relationships, especially among LGBTQ+ or interracial couples with disapproving parents.
Political accountability
The debate has centered on political accountability as both sides say they want to protect vulnerable populations.
