Gov. Steve Bullock signed two bills aimed at preventing child abuse into law Tuesday in Great Falls, where five children have died at the hands of their abusers in the past five years.

One bill creates the crime of criminal child endangerment. It would punish those who drive drunk with a child in the car, fail to get medical care for an apparent life-threatening condition, place a child in the care of a known abuser, deal dangerous drugs with children in the home, or fail to provide proper nutrition. Someone found guilty could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $50,000. The law takes effect immediately.

Bullock also signed a bill establishing an office of child and family ombudsman in the Department of Justice.

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