California Democrats Block Bill to Make Child Trafficking a Serious Felony

California Democrats in the public safety committee voted against advancing a bill that aimed to increase criminal consequences for child sex trafficking. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of longer sentences and the three-strikes rule. Governor Gavin Newsom and state assembly leaders, in an unusual move, worked with a conservative lawmaker to revive the bill after it was initially shot down by progressive Democrats in committee. This comes amid rising concerns about crime in California, and Newsom's desire to be seen as tough on crime. Child sex trafficking is already a felony in California, with prison sentences ranging from 5 to 12 years or 15 to life in cases involving force, coercion, or violence.