AAUW CA takes no position on Proposition 35, the Human Trafficking initiative.  The California website states, “AAUW CA opposes human trafficking and supports bringing offenders to justice. This proposition, however, has major flaws, and is contradictory in some elements.  It focuses on sex trafficking rather than human trafficking for purposes of “slavery”, although forced labor comprises 90% of human trafficking.  It pits victims against each other with greater penalties for sex trafficking than for rape in current law. When a poorly written initiative alters the state statutes, any future change becomes difficult, requiring yet another initiative. Members should study this carefully.”

The good news is that Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced that two bills that will make it more difficult for human traffickers to hide their assets have been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.

Assembly Bill 2466, by Bob Blumenfield ( D-San Fernando Valley ), ensures that criminal defendants involved in human trafficking will not dispose of assets that would otherwise be provided as restitution to victims.

Senate Bill 1133, by Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), expands the list of assets that a human trafficker must forfeit and provides a formula for using those resources to help victims of human trafficking. Both laws will take effect on January 1, 2013.

To read the full press release click HERE.