Sheriff Jim Cooper raised concerns on social media regarding changes to Assembly Bill 379, which originally aimed to make the purchasing of sexual acts from 16 and 17-year-old minors a felony. Cooper stated, "AB 379 was highjacked today," following the removal of a key protection from the bill. He also reported that some authorities involved in the decision have accused the bill's author and "high-level politicians" of spreading misinformation, as reported by the Sheriff Jim Cooper.
Sheriff Jim Cooper publicly addressed the issue of sex trafficking, stating, "I don’t deal with this issue in a policy committee from the confines of the Capitol building." He expressed concern over Assembly Bill 379, which he believes does not do enough to address the legal consequences for those exploiting minors. He pointed out that his department currently has 17 open cases of juvenile sex trafficking and has rescued seven juveniles this year. Cooper emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing work of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children, saying, "IT’S NOT."
According to the Sheriff Jim Cooper on his Facebook page, he expressed frustration over the slow pace of legislative action on child exploitation, saying, "Our young girls don’t have more time," and, "How much more damn time do you need?" His comments come as debate continues over AB 379, a bill focused on addressing child welfare and crime prevention. The legislation has drawn attention from law enforcement officials urging faster action to protect minors.
