Protecting Survivors: Assemblymember Alvarez Advances Key Legislation to Support Victims of Abuse and Trafficking
In a powerful step forward for victims’ rights and public safety, the California State Assembly has passed two critical bills authored and championed by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) aimed at protecting survivors of stalking, domestic violence, and child sex trafficking. Assembly Bill 358 addresses long-standing delays in accessing vital digital evidence—like surveillance footage and GPS data—that can be crucial for restraining orders and criminal investigations. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 379 increases penalties for those convicted of trafficking minors, strengthening California’s response to one of the most horrific crimes in our society. With the support of San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, both bills underscore the state’s commitment to delivering swift justice, empowering survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Read below to learn more about the impact and details of these bills.
SACRAMENTO – The California State Assembly today passed two key pieces of legislation championed by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) that aim to protect and empower survivors of stalking, domestic violence, and child sex trafficking. Assembly Bill 358, authored by Alvarez, ensures that law enforcement and victims can access critical digital evidence—such as surveillance footage or GPS data—in a timely and consistent manner. These reforms will help survivors pursue restraining orders, support criminal prosecutions, and seek protection without unnecessary delays.
“Survivors of stalking and abuse deserve a justice system that acts with urgency and compassion,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “AB 358 will ensure victims are not left waiting in fear while critical digital evidence is stuck in bureaucracy, and AB 379 sends a clear message that the trafficking of children will be met with serious consequences.”
Together, these bills represent our commitment to standing with survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. Alvarez is also co-author of Assembly Bill 379, which increases penalties for the sex trafficking of minors and strengthens protections for exploited youth—part of a broader effort to send a clear message that California will not tolerate the abuse and exploitation of children. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, a leading voice in California’s fight against human trafficking, is a sponsor of both AB 358 and AB 379.
“AB 358 is a long-overdue fix that allows critical evidence to be preserved in order to attain justice and protect vulnerable victims of stalking and domestic violence, and AB 379 provides law enforcement with the essential tools to protect victims from sex traffickers and criminal buyers,” said District Attorney Stephan. “I thank Assemblymember Alvarez for moving our laws forward to restore fairness and ensure we can act quickly to protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable. Both bills are not just about legal clarity—it’s about giving victims a voice and a real shot at justice.”
Both bills will now move to the State Senate for further consideration.
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The 80th Assembly District includes the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Lincoln Acres, Bonita, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, along with the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach
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