Newsom signs controversial bill on solicitation of minors
Los Angeles TimesThursday, July 31, 2025 at 2:28:57 AM
California Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a contentious new law that toughens penalties for people convicted of soliciting older teens (16-17) for sex. The bill, AB 379, faced heated debate in the state legislature before passing—suggesting it’s not as straightforward as it might seem.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about harsher punishments—it’s a flashpoint in bigger debates over how the legal system handles age, consent, and exploitation. Supporters argue it closes a loophole for predators, while critics worry it could criminalize misguided relationships unevenly. Either way, it’s a law with real consequences for how California deals with a legally murky issue.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
