Legislation to Combat Online Sexual Exploitation Clears First Hurdle

Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) has authored SB 1210 to combat sexual exploitation in the digital age. SB 1210 cleared its first major hurdle by passing the California Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Since the pandemic began, the number of complaints of obscene images related to trafficking has increased by over 120%; online sexual exploitation is a form of abuse that disproportionately impacts women and girls.

SB 1210 requires any attorney fees and costs be paid to the prevailing plaintiff by the defendant in a civil action arising from the intentional, unauthorized distribution of obscene material.

“This type of abuse destroys lives.” said Senator Cortese. “And victims of this type of abuse have to relive their trauma through the continued circulation of explicit photos and video online.”

“Our laws should never protect abusers and traffickers.”

 “By making it easier to secure counsel and obtain justice, SB 1210 will prevent online sexual exploitation and trafficking and provide survivors an avenue for relief, recourse and recovery.”

Senator Cortese had three other bills that advanced through Senate policy committees today:

·      SB 831 passed Senate Judiciary Committee: This bill would place enforceable regulations around the use of firearms and live ammunition on theatrical sets and productions in response to the tragic “Rust” shooting.

·      SB 1297 passed Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee: This bill would support a complete evaluation across a diversity of building materials to support the use of building materials with low embodied carbon and high carbon sequestration.

·      SB 1244 passed Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee: This bill would ensure sufficient funding for conservation of waterfowl, including wetland maintenance.