Sacramento - The state legislature unanimously passed legislation Thursday to strengthen criminal penalties for sexual acts aged 16 and 17, a criminal measure that prompted weeks of political unrest at the state Capitol.

The original author of the bill was Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), who was raised by the Congress, said she wanted to target demand by combating perpetrators and increasing protection for victims. Her legislation will somehow give prosecutors the ability to charge offenders who purchase sexual acts from older felony or misdemeanors.

The controversy broke out in April when Democrats voted after a committee hearing to deprive the bill of felony provisions in cases involving 16 and 17 years old.

The action sparked a blaze of criticism on social media and promptly condemned Republican lawmaker and Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Democrats signed a deal last week under public pressure to adjust the sentence for crimes over three years older than the victim.

Councilman Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) is the chairman of the Public Safety Commission, who told his colleagues before the vote.

Schultz acknowledged that the bill went through a “chaotic” process, but would ultimately help protect children. The legislation is now heading to the state Senate for consideration.

Existing laws have already punished minors for the first crime or felony and felony crime as felony crimes for subsequent crimes.

During Thursday's debate, the congress raised Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) as he was a victim of sexual abuse when he supported the bill and shared it. As she paused to collect herself, colleagues gathered around her, and she described tearfully as she testified against the predator in court and then lived next door to him in high school after he was released.

“This experience continues to shape my perspective and actions when it comes to protecting children and victims of crime, which is one of the reasons why I always stand in providing more support to victims and creating a sense of responsibility for predators,” she said.

Congress Bishop Lashae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego) said she supported the bill but wanted further changes, saying he was concerned that the bill was criminalized by wandering intent to buy sexual acts, believing that the bill could be disproportionately used by law enforcement against ethnic minorities and poor people.

"They are mature when the laws are ambiguous, and I'm really worried about Black people, Brown and LGBTQIA+ individuals being too regulated and targeting their presence in the area without them actually committing crimes," Sharp Collins said.