The state of Vermont has a new law designed to crack down on people who give shelter to drug dealers.

Gov. Jim Douglas signed the measure yesterday in Rutland, where police say some local residents have been allowing out-of-town drug dealers to stay in their apartments.

Under the new law, knowingly allowing that to happen could bring a penalty of up to two years in jail.

The same measure also reduces the amounts of cocaine and heroin that can be charged as possession with intent to distribute.