Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official bulk data posted by the California Legislature, fetched 2026-08-03. Nothing is edited or removed. The official bill page.
An act to amend Section 653.25 of the Penal Code, relating to crimes. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to loiter in any public place with the intent to purchase commercial sex, as specified. Under existing law, intent is evidenced by acting in a manner and under circumstances that openly demonstrate the purpose of inducing, enticing, or soliciting prostitution, or procuring another to commit prostitution, as specified. This bill would instead provide that a person is guilty of the above-described crime only if they take a direct but ineffectual act that goes beyond planning or preparation towards commission of the crime that indicates a definite and unambiguous intent to purchase commercial sex. The bill would not require the act to be a completed communication. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 653.25 of the Penal Code is amended to read: 653.25. (a) It is unlawful for any person to loiter in any public place with the intent to purchase commercial sex. A person is guilty of this offense only if the person takes a direct but ineffectual act done towards its commission that indicates a definite and unambiguous intent to purchase commercial sex. The act must go beyond planning or preparation. It does not require a completed communication. (b) A violation of this section shall, in addition to any other punishment, be punished by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Fines collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited in the Survivor Support Fund.
Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.