As a strong advocate against human trafficking, Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 112 (SCR 112), a resolution designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in California. The measure reaffirms California’s commitment to combating human trafficking, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
"SCR 112 honors the tireless work of survivors who have helped shape our laws, the advocates fighting daily, and the law enforcement officers rescuing victims and locking up the perpetrators," said Senator Shannon Grove. "It acknowledges our progress while urging us to do more. Every child protected and survivor supported brings us closer to a California free from human trafficking."
California has led the nation in strengthening laws against human trafficking. Senator Grove successfully passed legislation that increased penalties for child sex trafficking by making it a felony to buy or sell a child for sex under SB 14 and SB 1414.With the bipartisan support, including from the First Partner and Governor, California has toughened penalties for those who buy and sell children for sex, disrupted organized networks, equipped law enforcement and prosecutors with new tools, supported survivors, and funded community organizations.
According to the Los Angeles District Attorney, human trafficking convictions more than doubled in 2025 compared to recent years and surged over 750% since 2022, showing the impact of dedicated prosecution and enforcement.
Recently, the Placer County District Attorney’s office announced the successful prosecution of two perpetrators, who were convicted and sentenced for their crimes of human trafficking. In September 2024, a routine traffic stop on Interstate 80 led deputies to rescue two 15-year-old girls from a trafficker. The suspects were charged under Penal Code 236.1(c)(1) for human trafficking of minors, now a serious felony and strike offense following the passage of SB 14. One perpetrator received a 7-year sentence, the other received 15 years due to having a prior strike. Both perpetrators are now off the streets, and our communities are safer.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2024 over 1,700 human trafficking cases were documented in California, involving nearly 4,000 victims, figures that represent only a fraction of the real number of victims due to underreporting.
This morning, SCR 112 passed unanimously out of the Senate and will next move the Assembly. Please click here to watch Senator Grove's floor remarks.
Senator Shannon Grove urges all Californians to do their part and join her in observing National Human Trafficking Month by learning the signs of human trafficking at www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. Together, we can make a difference and protect our children from the grips of exploitation.