A local lawmaker is touting a bill signed into law by the Governor recently.  Criminal penalties of driving under the influence with a child in the car are increased under An Act Concerning Child Endangerment. 

The bill also applies while driving a school bus or student transportation vehicle. The increased penalties will be enforced through longer mandatory minimum and maximum prison terms, as well as changes to probation requirements. 

Brookfield state Representative Steve Harding, a co-sponsor of the bill, says these increased penalties should have been implemented years ago.  He says this bill will help secure the safety of the youngest community members. 

The bill takes effect October 1st.