A heated debate has erupted in the California Legislature over whether to impose harsher penalties for soliciting sex from 16- and 17-year-olds.
Despite bipartisan support, including from Governor Gavin Newsom, Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly blocked or gutted bills that would make such offenses felonies. This has led to growing divisions within the Democratic supermajority and increased pressure from Republicans, who accuse Democrats of being soft on child sex crimes. The controversy highlights a broader struggle over how to address child sex trafficking and protect vulnerable teens.
The issue remains unresolved, fueling political tension in Sacramento.
.Here are the top political news stories for today.
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California Democrats block another attempt to ramp up penalties for sex solicitors of 16 and 17-year-olds
The fight over whether the consumers of the child sex trafficking industry should face tougher consequences when they buy 16- and 17-year-olds for sex continued at the California State Capitol Thursday.
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California Democrats gut bill making it a felony to solicit child prostitutes
California Democratic legislators gutted a bill that would have made it a felony to solicit any children for sex, despite support for the measure from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.
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