Calif. Assembly Cmte Reverses Course On Bill Bolstering Penalties For Human Trafficking – One America News Network

July 14, 2023 Sophia Flores US 0

Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove, center, speaks to reporters in Sacramento, Calif., on Thursday, July 13, 2023. A bill Grove authored to increase penalties on child traffickers passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Thursday. The bill had previously failed to advance through the committee. (AP Photo/Adam Beam)

OAN’s Frank Lara-Risco
3:26 PM – Friday, July 14, 2023

A California assembly committee has reversed course on a bill increasing penalties for human trafficking.

The California Assembly Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 14 on Thursday following backlash over its initial rejection of the measure.

Senate Bill 14 classifies child trafficking as a “serious felony,” a category that includes crimes like murder and rape. It can also result in the death penalty or life imprisonment in California if the individual is found guilty.

Thursday’s vote in favor of the bill was 6-0 with two Democrats abstaining even after Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) announced his support for the measure.

Advocates of the bill say it is a ‘game changer’ in fighting child trafficking. Bakersfield State Senator Shannon Grove (R-Calif.) shared her thoughts.

“Selling our children should not be an option in the state of California and today I am excited that the public safety committee reconsider the bill,” she stated.

The bill will now move to the assembly appropriations committee for further consideration.

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