The state Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo that would establish more severe penalties for the robbery of banks and credit unions, even if no weapon is shown.

Under the new law, the penalty for those who commit those crimes would more than double from 7 to 15 years in prison.

The legislation would also establish, for the first time, that someone convicted of robbing a bank or credit union could be refused a license to work as a mortgage banker or broker.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

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