Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 14 into law on Sept. 25 to increase penalties for human trafficking of minors in California.

The law, authored by state Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), designates human trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act as a serious felony – including under the state’s Three Strikes law – and imposes harsher penalties and sentencing enhancements for individuals convicted of the crime. Newsom was joined at the signing ceremony by Grove, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, state Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and survivors and advocates.

“Human trafficking is a sick crime. With this new law, California is going further to protect kids. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senator Grove, Speaker Rivas and Pro Tem Atkins in spearheading this bipartisan effort to make our communities and children safer,” Newsom said.

“The trafficking of young women and girls is a heinous crime with far too many victims,” Siebel Newsom said. “I’ve seen the pain survivors carry for a lifetime and having recently visited the infamous Figueroa sex trafficking corridor, I’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of these crimes – not just on girls and young women – but on entire communities when trafficking persists. That’s why I am especially grateful to Sen. Grove for her assiduousness in combating human trafficking and helping ensure California is a safer place for women and children.”

SB 14, which passed the state Assembly and Senate unanimously, is a bipartisan measure co-authored by 64 members of the Legislature. The legislation is supported by more than 100 local, national and international organizations, including a coalition of human trafficking survivors and advocates.

Since 2019, California has taken a comprehensive approach to combat human trafficking, with a total investment of $280.1 million.