It’s downright frustrating to see how California’s lawmakers continue to drop the ball when protecting our most vulnerable citizens—our children. Senate Bill 1414, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on child sex buyers, is facing unnecessary hurdles in the state legislature. 

SB 1414 would increase penalties for those caught buying sex from minors, sending a clear message that California will not tolerate the exploitation of children. But instead of passing this bill swiftly and unanimously, lawmakers are dragging their feet and getting bogged down in pointless debates.

How is it that in 2024, protecting children from predators isn’t a no-brainer? 

Why is there even a question about whether harsher penalties are needed for those who prey on kids? The fact that this bill has struggled to move forward, especially due to opposing lawmakers believing it’s too expensive to uphold, is a slap in the face to every parent and every decent person in this state who believes that our children deserve to be safe from harm. Who can put a cost on an innocent child’s safety?

It’s time for our lawmakers to stop playing politics and do what’s right. California should be leading the nation in protecting children, not stalling critical legislation. Enough is enough. Pass SB 1414 and show that this state values its children over the predators who seek to exploit them.