Representative Jeff Harris proposed "Karra and Jocelyn's Law" to enforce stronger punishment for those who harm a child or infant. He hopes changes to the law will keep babies and children safe.

The current law mandates a seven-year prison term for people convicted of shaking a baby or child. Karra and Jocelyn's law would call for a 15-year minimum stay in prison.

"God forbid this should ever happen to any child, ever happen to any infant, and God forbid any parent should ever have to go through this," said Harris. House Bill 1855 would affect children ages five and under.

The bill is named for two children who died as a result of shaken baby syndrome.

"Unfortunately and regrettably it has happened, and we need to make sure that our laws are tough enough and the penalties are harsh enough and severe enough to punish those people who would commit the crime of shaking a baby, shaking an infant," said Harris.

At least one educator believes it is a step in the right direction.

"I think that seven years isn't enough for someone who could possibly inflict permanent brain damage on another person," said Stephanie Chandler.

Harris hopes the law helps Missourians remember the victims of shaken baby syndrome and serves as a deterrent to future offenders.

On Friday, Miller County received a 911 call, stating that an unresponsive toddler needed immediate medical attention. The toddler was transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia. The Miller County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident.

In a press release, the sheriff mentioned that it is not appropriate to shake a baby, but he never specifically mentioned that this latest baby death was caused by shaking.