Gov. Dayton signed the abuse bill act

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill that will make it a felony to intentionally abuse or neglect vulnerable adults.

The bill Dayton signed Wednesday had bipartisan support from lawmakers. Under current law, even the most severe cases of neglect could only be charged as a gross misdemeanor with no prison time.

The bill also includes a provision that toughens penalties for parents who use restraints to abuse or harm a child.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, who pushed for the bill, says it’s a good example of what can be accomplished when state legislators work together.