Assemblymember Juan Alanis has issued a statement regarding the restoration of protections for 16 and 17-year-olds in California’s Assembly Bill 379. Alanis emphasizes the importance of shielding minors from sexual exploitation, stating, “Every child deserves to be shielded from the horrors of sexual exploitation.”
Alanis, drawing on his experience as a former crimes-against-children detective, highlighted the impact of such crimes on young lives. He expressed support for making the purchase of minors for sex a felony: “Making the purchase of 16- and 17-year-olds for sex a felony is both just and common sense.” He commended his colleagues for reversing their previous decision to strip these protections.
Despite this progress, Alanis noted that there is more work to be done: “While restoring the original penalties to this bill is a critical step forward, the fight isn’t over yet.” He committed to continuing efforts to ensure the bill’s passage.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents California’s 22nd Assembly District, which includes several communities such as Modesto and Turlock.
