Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 14 into law on Monday, strengthening the penalties for individuals caught trafficking minors in California.

The law considers the trafficking of minors for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex as a major offense, including heavier penalties and enhanced sentences for those found guilty.

“I applaud the Governor for signing SB 14 by Senator Shannon Grove, a bi-partisan bill which designates child sex trafficking as a ‘serious felony,’ making it a strike for purposes of the Three Strikes Law,” said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth. “As a state and community, we will not tolerate the abuse of our youth. As a bill supporter who voted in favor of SB 14, I am grateful the Governor signed this common sense piece of legislation that provides strong accountability measures aimed at protecting our children.”

Since 2019, California has invested $280.1 million to combat human trafficking, taking a comprehensive approach to the issue and providing support to victims and survivors, according to the office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

The state has allocated $25 million for the prevention, intervention, and services for victims of commercial sexual exploitation, according to officials.

It has also significantly increased funding for human trafficking survivors’ support programs and Family Justice Centers, which serve as one-stop shops for victims and their families to access various services.

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