NYS Assembly Passes Bill to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) -- Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced Wednesday that the New York State Assembly passed a bill she co-sponsored that will increase protections for victims of domestic violence and crack down on repeat offenders, ABC affiliate WIVT/WBGH-TV reports.

The legislation will establish the crime of "Aggravated Family Offense" to increase penalties for domestic violence offenders who repeatedly commit misdemeanor level offenses. This measure will ensure that repeat misdemeanor offenders will be prosecuted as felons. The bill also permits judges to consider risk factors such as violations of restraining orders and firearm possession in determining bail and creates a statewide Fatality Review Team to explore new ways to prevent intimate partner homicides.

“We have worked hard to bring these issues to the forefront,” Lupardo said. “This package represents some of the most significant changes in domestic violence law in more than a decade, and for that I am grateful.”

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio