Utica, NY (WIBX) - Governor Cuomo has signed a bill into law that strengthens penalties for adults who are convicted of the sexual abuse of a child.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Joe Griffo and former Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, amends the current law to allow for a person to be charged with first-degree sexual abuse when the abuser is at least 21 years old and the victim is less than 13 years old.

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara says the legislation increases the penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The new law, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, takes effect on November 1st.

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