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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed four new bills into law aimed at addressing human trafficking and providing support to victims. The measures are intended to increase penalties for traffickers, assist victims in accessing resources, and create new tools for combating labor trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a disgusting and reprehensible crime that leaves lasting pain on victims and survivors. These new laws will help us further hold predators accountable and provide victims with the support and care they need,” said Governor Newsom.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society: “No imperative is more essential than our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. To that we will continue bipartisan efforts to keep children safe from the heinous crime of sex trafficking as well as strengthen our protections for victims and survivors. Crimes against children have no place in California.”
The newly signed laws include:
- SB 963 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), which requires hospitals with emergency departments to implement policies allowing patients to confidentially self-identify as victims of human trafficking or domestic violence.
- SB 1414 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), which increases penalties for solicitation of minors under 16 or minors who are victims of human trafficking, giving prosecutors more tools to charge felonies.
- AB 2020 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), which mandates law enforcement agencies and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to create guidelines for interacting with human trafficking survivors.
- AB 1888 by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), which establishes a Labor Trafficking Unit within the Department of Justice, coordinating with state departments and law enforcement agencies.
Senator Angelique Ashby stated, “Providing a way for victims of human trafficking to safely report their abusers and get help is vital to our progress on this issue. Oftentimes, the first and only contact a victim will have outside of their trafficking situation is with an emergency medical professional.”
Senator Shannon Grove commented, “Today marks an incredible victory for California children. I am grateful to the Governor, First Partner, and my co-authors for once again joining me in the fight against human trafficking."
Assemblymember Mia Bonta noted, “Survivors of human trafficking need support, not systemic barriers... AB 2020 will provide communities like those I represent with the opportunity to escape cycles of abuse, incarceration, and trafficking.”
Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula expressed gratitude towards Governor Newsom: “I want to thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 1888... This legislation — which includes establishing a new Labor Trafficking Unit within the Department of Justice – is a solid step forward in the effort to stop this horrible abuse."
Since 2019, California has invested $280.1 million in efforts against human trafficking. This includes funding support programs for survivors and Family Justice Centers, allocating $25 million specifically for minor victims' services.
For assistance related to human trafficking, individuals can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or dial 9-1-1 if in immediate danger.
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