SB233 Signed Into Law by California Governor

SB233 Signed Into Law by California Governor

SAN FRANCISCO — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 233, which protects against arrest for prostitution offenses when reporting serious crimes and prohibits police from using the possession of condoms as evidence of prostitution, into law.

Originally sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener, Assembly Members Bill Quirk and Laura Friedman, the new legislation amends California's penal code to grant immunity to persons who report either being a victim of or witness to a serious felony, such as domestic violence; extortion; human trafficking; sexual battery or stalking from arrest for a misdemeanor violation related to an act of prostitution under California Penal Code 647. 

It additionally renders condoms inadmissible as evidence in the prosecution of offenses related to prostitution.

Maxine Doogan of the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) noted the importance of the legislation. 

“We are very pleased to see Governor Newsom's signature on a law which enables prostitutes to report rape and assault without fear of being arrested," she said. "It's especially relevant after the passing of Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), in April of 2018 which has disastrously affected the safety of sex workers. We applaud our Governor for taking our call for help seriously. Now police can prioritize public health and public safety."

Siouxsie Q of The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) similarly celebrated the event but noted that, like most bills, the law will not not take effect until January 1, 2020.

"If you are planning outreach to sex worker communities, it might be safer to wait until the new year," she said. 

SB 233 is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Free Speech Coalition, St. James Infirmary, U.S. Prostitutes Collective, the Sex Worker Outreach Project, ESPLERP and a number of other LGTBQ, public health, and social justice organizations. 

Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Trump Nominates Project 2025 Contributor, Section 230 Foe to Chair FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated, as his pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr — an author of Project 2025 who has called for gutting Section 230 protections.

Texas AG Briefs US Supreme Court on AV Argument

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday submitted his brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the state's age verification law, HB 1181, which is being challenged by a group led by Free Speech Coalition (FSC).

FSC: Kansas Attorneys Seeking Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Companies Over Age Verification

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement warning that a personal injury law firm in Kansas is soliciting plaintiffs to sue adult companies under the state's age verification law.

Ukrainian Parliament Registers Bill to Decriminalize Porn

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, registered a bill today to decriminalize the creation and distribution of pornography.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday’s election and concerns about Project 2025’s potential ramifications, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has released a statement affirming its commitment to the adult industry.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Project 2025 Leader Claims Big Tech Companies 'Deliberately Fuel Pornography Addiction' Among Men

Heritage Foundation president and Project 2025 leader Kevin Roberts published on Wednesday the text of a speech in which he persists with his past claim that “predatory Big Tech corporations” are “deliberately fueling pornography addiction” among young men.

Show More