A provision in state law previously allowed police to arrest those who “delay or linger without a lawful purpose” if it appeared they were trying to engage in sex work. Police can no longer use this charge, and those who have been convicted are able to petition the court for resentencing or dismissal, according to the law’s language.

In a letter to the state Senate, Newsom made clear this law does not legalize prostitution and that his administration will monitor the law’s effects.

“While I agree with the author’s intent and I am signing this legislation, we must be cautious about its implementation,” Newsom wrote in the letter. “My Administration will monitor crime and prosecution trends for any possible unintended consequences and will act to mitigate any such impacts.”