AB 1402: Prostitution: minors.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for an individual to solicit, agree to engage in, or engage in, an act of prostitution with the intent to receive compensation, money, or anything of value from another person, as specified, or an act of prostitution with an adult or a minor in exchange for the individual providing compensation, money, or anything of value to the other person, as specified. Existing law makes it unlawful for a person to loiter in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution, as specified.

Existing law exempts a child under 18 years of age who is alleged to have engaged in prostitution or related offenses from being prosecuted for those offenses. Existing law authorizes a commercially exploited child under those circumstances to be adjudged a dependent child of the court and to be taken into temporary custody if the conditions allowing temporary custody without warrant are met.

This bill would instead make the prohibitions on prostitution and related offenses applicable to a person under 18 years of age. By expanding the application of those crimes to those persons, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a technical nonsubstantive change to one of those provisions.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.