NY Gov. Cuomo OKs Tougher Penalties For Bomb Threats

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is poised to sign into law new penalties for those who make bomb threats.

The Democratic governor plans to approve the legislation on Monday. It was passed by the state Legislature earlier this year in response to a string of bomb threats called into Jewish Community Centers in New York and elsewhere in the country.

Citing those bomb threats and recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Cuomo says that "now, more than ever" it's vital for New Yorkers to stand united against "bias and hate."

Specifically, the new law changes criminal statute to ensure that suspects accused of making bomb threats against a community center can, at minimum, face a sentence of up to a year in jail.

Cuomo says the new law will help authorities prosecute those who seek to "spread fear and terror."

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This story has been changed to correct that legislation hasn't been signed yet, will be later Monday.