CCC celebrates AB 379 signing, thank diocesan leaders who advocated

In June, Diocesan leaders traveled to Sacramento for the California Catholic Conference’s (CCC) Summer Leadership Summit to advocate Catholic Social Teaching. One of the legislations they advocated the signing for was AB379. “Thank you to our dedicated diocesan directors and parish leaders across the state for your passionate calls, letters, and emails,” said the CCC in a press release. “You shined a spotlight on the need to protect children from trafficking and support survivors. Your advocacy made this victory possible! We are thrilled to see the signing of AB 379! This sends a clear message that human beings are not for sale.” The law, signed by Governor Newsom, now makes it a felony to solicit a child of any age if the buyer is more than three years older than the victim, ensuring exploiters face justice for devastating lives. Additionally, AB 379 establishes a misdemeanor for loitering to buy sex, with a $1,000 fine, and directs those funds to the Survivor Support Fund to help survivors rebuild their lives.