Subway gropers face tougher penalties under legislation signed into law Saturday by Gov. Cuomo.
Offenders found guilty of forcibly touching someone on New York's mass transit system can now be sentenced up to a year behind bars.
Previously, the maximum penalty was three months in jail.
The law says a person can be convicted for subjecting someone else to sexual contact to gratify the perpetrator's sexual desire or to degrade the victim.
Offenders can be charged regardless of whether contact occurs directly or through clothing.
Cuomo said commuters have been victimized when someone grinds against them on crowded trains because they cannot flee their attacker.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
