State lawmakers have now made it a misdemeanor to leave a child under six years of age in a vehicle without the engine running for 15 minutes or more. Before this law went into effect it used to be a traffic infraction and some parents are happy about the new law.

"There are too many kids that have been hurt and killed and way too many accidents that have happened because of negligent parents," says Anna Bouwensits who has a four year old son. "It's about time the rules get tougher."

Violators could be sentenced up to 60 days in jail or recieve a fine of up to $500.

Now leaving a child under the age of six in a running car for any length of time will still be considered a traffic.

By Nathalie Pozo, WCJB TV20 News