Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue backed the bill. "I'm delighted to see the Senate stepping up and providing momentum to the fact that we need a child-protection law in Georgia," he said. "Hopefully, this will be the encouragement that the House needs to pass this bill and to move it on through, and I look forward to signing the law as soon as possible."

Under the measure, adults who endanger children can be charged with a felony, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

"By having some convictions under a child-endangerment felony law, by having some jail time issued to parents that have neglected or abused their child to the point that they are seriously injured or, heaven forbid, killed, yes, I think that will be a deterrent," said Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor.

The bill moves on to a Georgia House of Representatives committee.

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