Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jul 13, 2023 / 14:30 pm
Democrats in the California State Assembly drew criticism this week for blocking a bill that would have elevated the offense of child trafficking to a “serious felony,” but Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, vowed to get the measure passed.
Senate Bill 14, introduced by Republican Sen. Shannon Grove, would add “human trafficking of a minor” to the state’s definition of a “serious felony.” California law reserves the designation of “serious felony” for major crimes that may warrant life in prison or the death penalty.
The bill had already passed the Democratic-controlled Senate earlier in the year. Yet the measure stalled in the California Assembly Public Safety Committee. The two Republicans on the committee voted in favor of the measure while the six-Democrat majority abstained from voting.
The bill was granted “reconsideration” status, meaning it may come up for a vote again.