The California Department of Finance on Wednesday pushed back against a bill that would increase punishments for soliciting a minor for sex in the state.the state to charge adults who solicited minors with either a felony or a misdemeanor. If the involved minor was younger than 16, or younger than 18 but a victim of human trafficking, the adult would face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“The annual costs associated with increasing the prison population by one individual can range from around $10,000 to the high tens of thousands of dollars, depending on various factors,” Yan said. However, increases to the population threaten the state’s ability to continue making progress in rightsizing California’s prison system,” Yan said. “The state strives to have a balanced system that preserves public safety while remaining fiscally responsible.”