To help combat human trafficking in San Diego and across California, Mayor Todd Gloria’s administration is sponsoring two bills in the state Legislature that would give local law-enforcement agencies additional tools to crack down on sex traffickers and protect survivors. 

Assembly Bill 63, authored by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez (D-Chino), would make it unlawful to loiter with the intent to commit prostitution. Assembly Bill 379, authored by Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), would establish a fund for community-based organizations supporting victims of sex trafficking and ensure that the crime of purchasing a minor for sex applies in any case where the victim is under 18. 

“The unfortunate truth is that San Diego has seen a sharp increase in prostitution and human trafficking in the past few years, harming people and the communities where loitering is concentrated,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Assembly Bills 63 and 379 are common-sense measures to restore law enforcement’s ability to stop illegal activity while also helping victims escape exploitation. I thank Assemblymembers Rodriguez and Krell for authoring these bills, and I look forward to seeing these signed into law.” 

These bills are a response to the unintended consequences of Senate Bill 357, legislation passed and signed into law in 2022 that decriminalized loitering for the purposes of prostitution. SB 357 has made it more difficult for police officers to investigate suspicious activities related to sexual coercion and human trafficking.  

For example, in San Diego, prior to SB 357, the San Diego Police Department on any given day would see, on average, four to eight individuals attempting to engage in prostitution. Now, that daily count is between 12 and 30. Families and business owners in affected neighborhoods are enduring the negative impacts of sex buyers circling the area for potential victims and deals for sexual activity take place. More importantly, current law that allows loitering for prostitution prevents law enforcement from effectively intervening to address the intimidation and control tactics of pimps over their victims, which enables human trafficking and endangers the community. 

“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and we commend Mayor Gloria for supporting the proposed legislation,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “SDPD recognizes the trauma and pain experienced by those affected by sex trafficking. These bills are important tools to restoring law enforcement’s ability to intervene, offer resources and, at times, rescue victims from the cycle of violence and criminal behavior.”