A California bill that would make purchasing child sex a felony up from a misdemeanor moved forward on Tuesday, but not before Democrats made significant changes.
The bipartisan bill would raise solicitation of a minor from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, and a fine of up to $25,000. The bill would also require a person convicted of soliciting a minor to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
However, the new version of the bill would only allow prosecutors to level felony charges if the minor was under 16, meaning those who attempted to buy sex with a 16-year-old or 17-year-old could still only be charged with a misdemeanor.
On Tuesday, Democrats on the Senate Public Safety Committee passed the bill after making this and several other changes.
The bill’s author, Republican State Senator Shannon Grove, reacted with dismay to the new amendments, her…
