California State Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman and fellow lawmakers honor women in California making an impact during Women's History Month March 20, 2023, in Sacramento, Calif. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
For those aged 16-17, it's considered a misdemeanor. While a felony charge entails prison time, repeat offenders with a substantial age gap with the victim must register as tier one sex offenders on their second offense.
"As a mental health professional and as a social worker, I can tell you I've spent my entire career working with people who have been wounded," Eggman added. "I'm not gonna say beyond repair, but they have been wounded to their core by the abuse that's been heaped on them oftentimes by those that they love and look to protect them."
Grove's bill toughens the punishment for child trafficking and increased it from a misdemeanor charge to a felony, carrying a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Unlike current law, the penalties would apply regardless of whether the adult was aware of the child's age.
CHURCH SERVICES DISTURBED AS RAMPANT SAN DIEGO PROSTITUTION HITS FEVER PITCH
Sen. Shannon Grove introduced SB 1414 this year. (Kelly Sullivan)
"The crime of purchasing a child of any age for sex in the state of California should be a prison felony. I am incredibly disappointed in the Senate Pro Tem and Senate leadership for, once again, passing on an opportunity to restore amendments to the bill and stand up for all of California’s children," Grove said in a statement.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"This outcome is a failure on the part of legislative leadership who caved to political pressure and did not prioritize the safety of our children. We must restore this bill in the Assembly to protect every child in the state of California from the horrific crime of sex trafficking."
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
Subscribed
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ca-progressive-chides-fellow-democrats-before-voting-make-child-solicitation-felony-im-done