Assembly Approves Bill To Strengthen Child Sexual Abuse Laws

Albany, NY (WIBX) - The state Assembly has passed legislation that makes it a felony when a child younger than 13 is subjected to sexual contact by a person who is 21 years old or older.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito.

Destito say under current state law, a person convicted of sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 can only be charged with a misdemeanor.

The bill, which was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Joe Griffo, has passed both houses of the legislature.

It now goes to Governor Cuomo for his signature.