SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) successfully passed Assembly Bill 426 (AB 426) from the Assembly Public Safety Committee yesterday on a vote of  4-0. 

AB 426 adds the crime of human trafficking to the Penal Code list of “serious” felonies, and also adds the crime of solicitation of murder to both lists of “serious” and “violent” felonies.  Many inmates who are considered “non-violent” or “non-serious” may have had previous convictions for serious or violent crimes, or their cases were plea-bargained to lesser, non-violent crimes that may have been in fact violent or serious.  The crimes of human trafficking and solicitation of murder are not considered violent or serious in existing law, and a person convicted could be released as early as three years in prison.

“With proposals circulating about releasing non-violent offenders early and into our county jails, we decided it was important to shine light on the definition of “non-violent” so that us Legislators – as well as the public – would not be misled as to what crimes would be actually included as “non-violent” felonies”, said Assemblymember Galgiani.  “Attempted murder is a “violent” felony but solicitation of murder is not; kidnapping is a “violent” felony but human trafficking is not.  AB 426 will ensure that crimes such as these two that are truly violent and serious are treated as such under the law, and those convicted will not be released early and into our jails.”

Harriett Salarno, Chair of Crime Victims United of California who are the sponsors of AB 426, testified on its behalf.  After the hearing, Ms. Salarno said, “ Crime Victims United is very pleased that the Assembly Public Safety Committee passed AB 426 by 4-0 because it is the right thing to do.  In California, human trafficking is on the rise, and individuals involved in the solicitation of murder should be considered a violent and serious offender.”

Steve Ipsen, President of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, also testified in support of the bill.  “The Assembly Public Safety Committee sent a strong message to those that engage in modern day slavery and exploit children for sexual pleasure”, said Mr. Ipsen.  “By declaring human trafficking a serious crime, we can stop these powerful predators by using California’s Three Strikes Law.  The Association of Deputy District Attorneys is proud to support Crime Victims United and join as co-sponsors on AB 426.”

The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.