A new California bill would prohibit prosecutors from charging anyone under the age of 20 as an adult.

The bill was announced on Tuesday morning by Democratic state Sen. Nancy Skinner. “When teenagers make serious mistakes and commit crimes, state prison is not the answer,” Skinner said in a press release.

“Processing teenagers through the juvenile justice system will help ensure they receive the appropriate education, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services necessary to achieve real public safety outcomes.”

Skinner was backed by a public defender, Brendon Woods, in California's Alameda County, who said, "Kids should be treated as kids."

“When a young person gets in trouble, they need our help," Woods said. "They don’t need to be locked in a cage. “

The bill requires prosecutors who wish to charge anyone between the ages of 16 and 19 to file a motion in juvenile court. A judge would then review the prosecution's motion and make a determination.

If the bill were to pass the California legislature, 18- and 19-year-olds would be legally permitted to engage in contracts, marry, vote, and register for the military, but not be charged as legal adults.