A child’s death in a traffic accident has led to calls for tougher penalties for driving with a suspended license in New York.

State Sen. Michael Gianaris, of Queens, told the New York Post he is introducing a bill Monday that would allow prosecutors to file felony charges against drivers who kill or seriously hurt someone while driving with a suspended license.

Right now it is a misdemeanor.

The move follows the death of an 8-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer truck on Friday as he walked to school.

Officials said the driver’s license to operate the vehicle as in good-standing in New jersey, but had been suspended in New York.

(AP)