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AB-2749 • 2026

Crimes: loitering.

Crimes: loitering.

Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Sharp-Collins (A) , Schultz
Last action
2026-04-07
Official status
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest text do not provide specific details on what constitutes a 'direct but ineffectual act'.

Crimes: Loitering with Intent to Buy Commercial Sex

This law changes how people can be charged for loitering in public places if they intend to buy commercial sex, requiring a direct but ineffectual act beyond planning or preparation.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the way a person can be charged with loitering when they want to buy commercial sex services.
  • Requires that a person must take a direct but ineffectual act beyond just planning or thinking about buying sex before they can be charged.
  • Says that for someone to get in trouble, their actions must show clear intent to buy commercial sex without needing the act to be completed.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who might want to buy commercial sex services
  • Law enforcement officers

Terms To Know

Loitering
Staying in a public place without a clear reason, often for an extended period.
Commercial Sex
Sexual activities exchanged for money or other benefits.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify what counts as a 'direct but ineffectual act'.
  • The bill has passed the legislature but its final approval and implementation are pending.
  • It does not change laws about prostitution itself, only how people can be charged for loitering with intent to buy commercial sex.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-07 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

  2. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  3. 2026-02-21 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

  4. 2026-02-20 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2749, as introduced, Sharp-Collins.
Crimes: loitering.
Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to loiter in any public place with the intent to purchase commercial sex, as specified. Under existing law, intent is evidenced by acting in a manner and under circumstances that openly demonstrate the purpose of inducing, enticing, or soliciting prostitution, or procuring another to commit prostitution, as specified.
This bill would instead provide that a person is guilty of the above-described crime only if they take a direct but ineffectual act that goes beyond planning or preparation towards commission of the crime that indicates a definite and unambiguous intent to purchase commercial sex. The bill would not require the act to be a completed communication.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF