AB 79

Under current law, the court must impose on a defendant who has been found

guilty of a criminal offense certain surcharges, which are in addition to any

applicable fines, costs, and fees. For instance, the court must impose a crime victim

and witness assistance surcharge in an amount of $67 for each conviction of a

misdemeanor count and in an amount of $92 for each conviction of a felony count.

The surcharge amounts collected reimburse counties for services provided to victims

and witnesses of crimes.

This bill creates a $5,000 surcharge to be imposed on persons who are convicted

of patronizing or soliciting prostitutes, pandering, or keeping a place of prostitution.

Under the bill, the surcharge amounts collected are used for treatment and services

for sex-trafficking victims and for criminal investigative operations and law

enforcement relating to Internet crimes against children.