In the aftermath of the violent and deadly events in Charlottesville this past weekend, Gov. Cuomo signed legislation that should give officials more tools to fight hate.

The new law is also in reaction to the significant number of bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers in New York and across the nation. According to the Governor’s Office, the legislation will allow prosecutors to increase penalties against those who make bomb threats against community centers.

"These despicable acts spread fear and terror across entire communities, and by signing this measure, we will give law enforcement more tools to prosecute hatemongers and treat these crimes with the seriousness they deserve," Cuomo said. "The horrific events in Charlottesville this weekend demonstrate that now, more than ever, we must stand united against bias and hate in all of its forms and this new law is one more step toward a more just and more equal New York for all."

The new law allows people who make fake bomb threats to community centers to be charged with a public order offense which is, at a minimum, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.

Previously the charge only pertained to offenses that took place on highways, transportation facilities, schools, places of amusement, parks, playgrounds, hotels and apartments.

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