CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A bill that would increase the penalty for child abuse and neglect has passed the West Virginia Senate.
Senate Bill 288, also known as "Emmaleigh's Law," was passed by the Senate Wednesday.
The bill would increase the penalty for a person convicted for child abuse causing death from 10-40 years in jail to up to 15 years to life.
The bill is named after 10-month-old Emmaleigh Barringer who died in October 2016 from a skull fracture.
Benjamin Taylor was charged with first degree sexual assault in the case. The charges were upgraded to murder after Emmaleigh died.
The bill will now go to the House for approval.