Bill that would increase penalties for paying for child prostitution headed to Newsom

California lawmakers on Saturday, the final day of the legislative session, approved a bill to crack down on child prostitution and allow prosecutors to charge with a felony anyone who purchases sex from a minor 15 years old or younger. “I’m kind of disappointed we didn’t get 16- and 17-year-olds under the same protections, but 15-year-olds and below will have justice if anyone tries to buy them for sex, so that is moving the needle forward.” For the record: An earlier version of this story said the legislation was passed by the California Legislature on Friday. Trafficking children for prostitution already is a felony, and this bill, according to Grove, closes the circle by allowing people who purchase sex from a minor to be charged with a felony as well. “We know how horrendous sex trafficking of children is; the unimaginable pain, anguish and grief caused by these callous acts leaves lifelong emotional and physical scars on its victims if they’re lucky enough to make it out alive,” Grove said during a Senate committee hearing on the bill in April.