The State Assembly voted 60-1 on May 4 to approve to approve AB 1206, Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra’s legislation to curb prostitution.

AB 1206 would establish a 24-month pilot program in Los Angeles to allow law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles of customers and pimps that are used during the solicitation of prostitution.

“This is an important step to protect our neighborhoods from people who are taking advantage of women who are being trafficked,” said Bocanegra (D-Pacoima). “We need to provide law enforcement the tools to end sex trafficking once and for all.”

The measure would allow the city of Los Angeles to adopt an ordinance to impound and seize vehicles used in the act of soliciting prostitution for up to 30 days prior to a conviction. Currently, law enforcement can only tow a vehicle if a customer or pimp has a prior conviction within the last three years.

AB 1206 would also require the city to create a diversion program for prostitutes cited or arrested during the pilot program, and requires the city to issue a report within six months of the completion of the pilot program.

“Human trafficking is a problem in Los Angeles where vehicles play a key role,” Bocanegra added. “AB 1206 creates a zero-tolerance policy for soliciting prostitution, and anyone using their car will have their vehicle towed.”

AB 1206 will next be considered in the State Senate.