BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bipartisan bill to crack down on those who purchase and solicit children for sex. SB 1414 makes it a felony in the Golden State to purchase and solicit a minor aged 15 and younger for sex. Republican State Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield authored the bill and says it will protect the most vulnerable. "He just finished signing it. We're excited and we're moving forward. We're never going to stop fighting for California's children, but this is definitely a step in the right direction." Sen. Grove wrote the bill to apply to any sex trafficking victim younger than 18. But democrats on the public safety committee added amendments to the bill that Grove Believes will make it more challenging to protect 16 and 17-year-old sex trafficking victims. The amendment requires 16-and 17-year-olds to first prove in court they are victims of sex trafficking and only could the alleged sex purchaser be charged with a felony. The bill goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.