New bill aims to crack down on adults soliciting teens
Adrik Vargas
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A new bill in California could soon make it a felony for adults to solicit sex from 16- and 17-year-olds. Right now, it’s a misdemeanor, but Assembly Bill (AB) 379 wants to change that.
People in the Imperial Valley say it’s about time something is done to better protect teens.
“By making it a more harsher consequence or penalty, I think it’ll sway the people from actually soliciting, and actually going younger and younger,” said local Erika Robles Marquez.
The bill still needs to pass in the State Senate. If it does, it would apply across California, including right here in the Valley.
Some locals think the tougher penalty could help, even if it’s not a perfect solution.
“Not completely because there’s still people doing it underwater, I believe, but that would help preventing more cases from happening,” said Hector Perea, another local.
Others say it’s not just about the law, it’s also about what happens at home.
“I believe it should be more on the family, to educate our teens on how to say no to dangerous situations,” said Maria Elena Maya, another local.
Maya also pointed to how the internet has made it harder for parents to keep track of what their kids are doing.
“Right now, there’s a lot of internet, a lot that keeps parents from knowing what our kids are doing. If we are more protective of our kids, it’s good, but also pass laws that should make more consequences for those soliciting sex from teens,” Maya expressed.
As AB 379 moves forward, many in the Valley say stronger laws could help send a clear message: Kids should be off-limits.