Tougher penalties proposed for subway sickos

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Tougher penalties are being proposed for subway sickos.

Now they won't get away with touching and grinding so easy under a new bill.

What was once a misdemeanor could become a felony.

The senator pushing for the change says the disturbing trend where perverts grind and grope straphangers on crowded buses, subways, and ferries needs to end.

And jail time is the best way to send a clear message.

Tougher penalties for groping commuters on public transit may soon become law.

The subway grinder bill would make it a felony to have sexual contact on public transit with someone who didn't consent.

The bill passed in the state senate Wednesday.

Elisa Lopez was the victim of a disturbing sexual assault on a train two years ago that was caught on cell phone video. She spoke to Eyewitness News in March shortly after the suspect, Carlos Chuva, was arrested and charged with sexual assault.

"I woke up to somebody grabbing my face. And my automatic reaction was to punch him in the face," Lopez said.

State Senator Diane Savino a Democrat representing Staten Island authored the measure.

She believes its necessary because the behavior is a misdemeanor and suspects are not subject to jail time if convicted.

Under the new bill, perpetrators would face a maximum sentence of up to seven years depending on their criminal history.

"I don't want anyone to go to jail, I just want more of a consequence, more than just a slap on the hand which is what it is now," said Heather Carey, a rider.

Now the measure needs to pass in the assembly.