California Democrat Maggy Krell was stripped of her role as author of an anti-sex trafficking bill after she sided with Republicans to propose stronger penalties for those who purchase sex from 16- and 17-year-old minors.
At a Glance
- California Assembly Bill 379 originally included provisions making it a felony to pay for sex with 16- and 17-year-olds
- Democratic committee members removed the felony provision in a 7-0 vote, citing a previous legislative compromise
- Bill author Maggy Krell was removed after forcing a floor vote on the stripped provision
- Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the removal of the provision, advocating for equal protection of all minors
- Critics cite concerns about “unintended consequences” for young adults and LGBTQIA+ individuals
Democrat Author Removed After Challenging Party Leadership
California Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, a Democrat with two decades of experience prosecuting human trafficking cases, was removed as the author of her own bill after she took the unusual step of forcing a floor vote to reinstate a provision that would make purchasing sex from 16- and 17-year-olds a felony. The state Assembly voted 55-21 against including the provision, which had been stripped by the Public Safety Committee. Following the vote, Assembly Public Safety Chair Nick Schultz and Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen replaced Krell as the bill’s authors.
Krell’s removal has intensified the political controversy surrounding the legislation, highlighting a rift within the Democratic party over how best to protect minors from sex trafficking. Republican lawmakers have rallied behind Krell’s position, arguing that current laws leave older teenagers vulnerable to exploitation. The debate has raised questions about whether partisan politics is overshadowing child protection concerns.
Legal Loophole or Unnecessary Duplication?
At the heart of the controversy is disagreement over whether current California law adequately protects 16- and 17-year-olds from sex trafficking. Chair Schultz and other Democratic committee members maintain that contacting minors for sexual purposes is already a felony in California, making the proposed provision redundant. Current state law imposes extra fines, jail time, and either a misdemeanor or felony charge for buying sex from minors under 16, but does not extend the same level of protection to older teens.
“My perspective as chair, there was a carefully crafted deal last year,” Shultz told KCRA 3. “We’re not saying ‘no,’ but what we’re saying is, if we’re going to be thoughtful policy makers, we really need to dive deep into this issue.”
Krell strongly disagrees with this assessment, arguing that there is a significant loophole in current law that leaves older teenagers vulnerable. She has vowed to continue her advocacy despite her removal from the bill.
Governor’s Intervention and Political Fallout
California Governor Gavin Newsom has entered the fray, criticizing the removal of the felony provision and supporting Krell’s position. Newsom emphasized the need for equal protection of all minors from sex predators, regardless of their age. His intervention adds significant political weight to the controversy, potentially setting up a confrontation between the governor’s office and Democratic legislative leadership.
“The bill’s author, Democrat Maggy Krell, who spent two decades overseeing human trafficking cases for the state, called the move a ‘disgrace.'”
The revised version of AB 379 still includes provisions to increase penalties for “loitering with intent to purchase sex” and establishes a fund for sex trafficking victims. However, the controversy surrounding the bill’s handling has overshadowed these remaining elements. The public safety committee has announced plans to hold an informational hearing in the fall to further discuss the felony provision, suggesting the issue may be revisited.
Competing Concerns Shape Legislative Approach
Democratic state Senator Scott Wiener has voiced opposition to the felony provision, citing potential negative impacts on young adults. The committee also raised concerns about “unintended consequences” for LGBTQIA+ individuals. These objections point to the complex balance legislators face when crafting laws that aim to protect vulnerable populations without creating other social harms.
“I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and I’m not going to quit now. And I am going to bring this part of this bill back every year until I get the books to protect children. That’s what I’m going to do,” she told KCRA 3.
Republican state Senator Shannon Grove, who co-authored the bill with Krell, has been vocal about the need to address what she sees as a loophole in current law. The issue has galvanized Republican lawmakers, who have expressed strong disapproval of the Assembly’s actions. As the legislative process continues, the controversy surrounding AB 379 illustrates the challenges of crafting effective child protection laws while navigating complex political dynamics and competing social considerations.
