Hearing Tomorrow for Bill Shielding Street Sex Trafficking Victims from Buyers/Pimps

Since California legalized loitering for the purpose of prostitution several years ago, the state’s inner cities have witnessed an explosion of street prostitution, pimping, and pandering. The removal of legal authority for police to detain and investigate open street prostitution has led officers to become hesitant in separating women suspected of being trafficked by pimps or sex buyers due to the risk of legal liability and threats of lawsuits.

Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) has introduced a bill to shield victims of sex trafficking by reestablishing loitering in a public place and impeding traffic with the intent to direct or solicit prostitution as disorderly conduct.

SB 1219 will reinstate the authority law enforcement officers need to act decisively, enabling them to separate victims from their abusers and provide them with essential services. This initial interaction between officers and victims enables the police to gather evidence crucial to holding traffickers and their sex buyers accountable for their exploitation.