Maggy Krell’s independence is a breath of fresh air in Sacramento Capitol | Opinion

About 10 years ago, as I began to learn more about human trafficking, I started asking around for experts in the field. A short time later, I sat in a downtown Sacramento coffee shop across from former Deputy Attorney General Maggy Krell. She was knowledgeable, passionate and committed to helping the victims. I have been a fan and supporter of hers ever since.

Now a rookie member of the California Assembly representing Sacramento, Krell recently found herself in a political firestorm as fellow Democrats initially couldn’t stomach making it a felony for an adult to solicit 16- and 17-year-olds. Most voters support her policy position, but — more importantly — they should also support her independence.

When Krell ran for the assembly, this newspaper endorsed her candidacy. “Krell is deeply qualified for the job,”The Bee Editorial Board wrote. Yes, she is. Why is she deeply qualified? Because the woman has been in the fight to stop human trafficking for years. This is one of her professional life passions.

So when she introduced a package of sex trafficking and sentencing reforms in the form of Assembly Bill 379 earlier this year, it came from her life experience. And she fought for it.

She believed in a concept, but some leaders within her party did not agree. Against her wishes, an assembly committee stripped the felony option for adult solicitors of 16- and 17-year-olds while maintaining stiffer potential sanctions against loitering in hopes of deterring sex trafficking.

But Krell wouldn’t quit. She continued to fight and welcomed anyone to join her. That is called independent leadership.

When her bill reached the floor of the assembly, she stood and spoke. She articulated a clear vision for why AB 379 would improve the State of California. Watch her speak and try to convince anyone that the woman standing there does not truly believe what she is saying.

At first, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, punished Krell by stripping her as an author of AB 379. This move was a reflection of how Democratic Party leadership has been so absolutely brain dead that they get repeatedly burned by opposing commonsense legal reforms most Californians support. Why would anyone follow Rivas, who seems completely incapable of running a lemonade stand?

Then, Rivas folded and largely agreed with her that most adults, with few exceptions, should face the potential of a felony when soliciting a minor. Krell was allowed to be a co-author of her own bill once again.

Now, with both Democrats and Republicans on board, AB 379 is on an easy glide path to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Newsom sided with Krell and against Rivas before the Speaker did his about-face.)

How did Rivas manage to damage himself? In short, Krell’s policy and politics were right, and the Rivas’ politics and policy were completely wrong. He demonstrated horrible leadership.

In a time when we supposedly want a new kind of independent leadership, Krell provided that.

The most impressive thing about the way Krell handled this situation was that she never made it personal — she didn’t call anyone names or mock their obvious stupidity. She just stood tall on her own understanding of public policy. That is refreshing and should be celebrated.

This story was originally published June 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM.