Only in California can lawmakers twist themselves into moral pretzels trying not to protect children.
This week, the Democrat-controlled Assembly Public Safety Committee blocked a provision in a bill that would have made it a felony to buy 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. You read that right: They refused to make it a felony to buy children for sex.
The bill, AB 379, was introduced to crack down on predators fueling the child sex trafficking industry. But instead of backing the bill with teeth, Democrats like Assemblyman Nick Shultz decided to neuter it—because they’re too busy protecting “carefully crafted deals” instead of protecting kids.
“We’re not saying no,” Shultz said, pretending there’s nuance in letting sex buyers off easy. “We just need to be thoughtful.” Thoughtful? Try shameful.
NEW: California Democrat State Rep. Nick Shultz blocks proposal that would make it a felony to buy 16 and 17-year-old children for s*x.
Someone should check this guy's phone.
Shultz says he opposes the proposal because it needs to be more "equitable."
The state… pic.twitter.com/GslwEhDgi2
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2025
Let’s rewind. Last year, Republican Senator Shannon Grove pushed a bill that would’ve made it a felony to buy any minor for sex. But Democrats balked and struck a “deal” allowing the felony charge only if the victim was under 16. For 16- and 17-year-olds? It’s up to prosecutors. Because nothing says justice like asking exploited teens to prove they were trafficked.
Now, that same “deal” is being used to block this year’s updated bill—written by Democrat Assemblymember Maggy Krell, a former anti-trafficking prosecutor who’s had enough of the double talk. “It’s a disgrace,” Krell said. And she’s right.
Krell’s bill was yanked from the hearing schedule unless she agreed to gut it. So, she did—just to salvage what she could.
The Frankenstein version of the bill still rolls back parts of a 2022 law that decriminalized loitering for prostitution. It brings back penalties (misdemeanors, at best) for those creepy “Johns” lurking in cars. The fine? A whopping $1,000 and a slap on the wrist.
Senator Grove summed it up best: “It’s completely evil.”
Democrats love to lecture about “protecting the vulnerable”—unless it means offending their base or disrupting a backroom handshake from last session. Because apparently, in California, being 16 still means you’re fair game if your abuser hires a good lawyer.
Here’s the truth: No child should be up for negotiation. And any lawmaker who isn’t willing to make child sex trafficking a felony—at any age—has no business holding office.