FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Fresno Police are optimistic that the newly signed AB 379 will help them investigate and arrest those looking to buy young girls for sex.

The law, just signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week, goes into effect in January. Officers say they're preparing now so they can implement the law as soon as they can.

The law makes it a misdemeanor to loiter with the intent to buy sex. Until 2021, it had been illegal to loiter with the intent to buy sex. This new law will put that back on the books.

The law also makes it a felony for older adults to buy 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. Police say many traffickers have been buying teens in that age range and selling them for sex.

Fresno Police Lieutenant Andre Benson is the commander of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit with Fr

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