Rep. Bob Hackett, R-London, brought the proposal back for consideration Wednesday, after it had been heard in the previous General Assembly but failed to win passage.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Hackett, whose district includes parts of Clark and Greene Counties, said the bill needs to be passed.

"There is a lot of support in my district for this bill," Hackett said.

The proposal is named "Destiny's Law" after Destiny Shepherd. The Springfield girl was just 16 months old when she suffered skull fractures and brain damage in 2006. Her mother's former boyfriend, Terrence King, was convicted and imprisoned in the case.

Later, Sen. Steve Austria sought passage of a new law to increase the penalties on people who assault youngsters like Destiny.

After the legislature declined to pass the bill, Hackett pledged to try again this year.

The proposal would require a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison for people who are found guilty of felonious assault or endangering a child when the victim is less than 5 years old.

jim.otte@whiotv.com