Human Trafficking Advocates Rally Against California Bill AB 379

A coalition of advocacy groups and survivors of human trafficking voiced strong opposition to a controversial bill during a recent Senate Appropriations Committee meeting in California. The meeting highlighted the significant human and economic costs associated with incarceration, particularly for marginalized communities.

Sarah Whipple, representing the Sacramento Workers Outreach Project and the Sidewalk Project, emphasized the bill's detrimental impact on individuals and communities. "Incarceration significantly disrupts community lives, prevents people from going to their jobs, and participating in their communities," she stated, urging committee members to oppose the legislation.

The opposition was echoed by several other speakers, including Jess Torres from the Survivor Policy Coalition, who shared her personal experience as a trafficking survivor. "I strongly urge you to oppose this bill," she said, highlighting the potential for further harm to vulnerable populations.

Other organizations, such as the ACLU California Action and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, also expressed their disapproval, calling for amendments to the bill to better protect those affected by trafficking.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among advocates about the implications of the proposed legislation, with many calling for a more compassionate approach to addressing the issues surrounding human trafficking and its survivors. As discussions continue, the fate of the bill remains uncertain, with advocates pushing for changes that prioritize community well-being and support for survivors.