Law Against Loitering for the Purpose of Engaging in a Prostitution Offense Repealed (653.20 / 653.22 P.C.)

By: Ray Hill, Professor Emeritus, Santa Rosa Junior College

Law Against Loitering for the Purpose of Engaging in a Prostitution Offense Repealed (653.20 / 653.22 P.C.)

Governor Newsome signed AB 357 which will repeal California’s misdemeanor statute for loitering for the purpose of engaging in a prostitution (647(b) P.C.) offense. The repeal is effective 1/1/23. The legislation was supported by a number of groups that advocated the law disproportionately discriminated against women and the LGBTQ community, many of whom are black and brown. Opponents said the repeal would impact law enforcement’s ability to enforce human trafficking, especially with protecting vulnerable, young girls.

Though the law remains valid for the next few months, please examine your department policy for continued enforcement in light of the demise of this stature. This change may impact the District Attorney’s decision to file a criminal complaint feeling the statute is no longer “system efficient” enough to spend the Office’s time and resources on.

Good time to review California statutes where loitering is still a crime:

11532(a) H&S – Loitering for the Purpose of ....