SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Susan Rubio (D–Baldwin Park) announced the introduction of SB 1276 — The End Child Exploitation Act, legislation to protect children from sexual exploitation by clarifying that it is a crime to knowingly watch a livestream of a sexually exploited minor.

As an educator and longtime advocate for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, Senator Rubio said the bill ensures California’s laws keep pace with rapidly evolving technology while prioritizing the safety and dignity of children.

“Behind every screen is a real child, a victim whose life can be forever impacted,” Rubio said. “We cannot allow technology to outpace justice. If someone knowingly watches a child being sexually exploited in real time, they are participating in that abuse. SB 1276 makes it clear: in California, there is no loophole for those who exploit children behind a screen.”

Senator Rubio is once again collaborating with Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto to strengthen protections for children. Last year, they partnered on SB 680 to close gaps in sex offender registration laws. SB 1276 continues that shared commitment to holding predators accountable.

Current law criminalizes the creation, distribution, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a child. However, as livestreaming platforms such as Facebook Live, TikTok Live, Discord, and Twitch have grown, predators have exploited the temporary nature of real-time broadcasts to avoid accountability. SB 1276 closes that loophole by clearly establishing that knowingly viewing a livestream of a minor engaged in sexual conduct constitutes sexual exploitation under California law.

“We have gone after human trafficking buyers and sellers. We have strengthened sex offender laws. And we will continue to protect our children with every tool available to us,” Rubio said.

"Protecting children has been a top priority of my administration since assuming office. This critical bill strengthens existing law by closing a loophole and making it illegal to knowingly view livestreams of minors engaged in sexual conduct,” said Los Angeles City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein Soto. “I thank Senator Rubio for her leadership in introducing this legislation to protect our most vulnerable residents.”

SB 1276 reinforces California’s commitment to protecting children, supporting survivors, and ensuring predators cannot hide behind emerging technology.

Senator Rubio is available for interviews in English or Spanish. To schedule an interview, please contact Giovanni Ruiz at Giovanni.RuizReyes@sen.ca.gov

For more information, visit the website of Senator Susan Rubio at https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/