Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed a measure Wednesday permitting New York state to press charges against those who have received presidential pardons.
The measure was passed to prevent President Trump’s ex-aides who are facing prison time or potential sentencing from receiving pardons and avoiding criminal punishment, NBC News reported. The network added that the legislation was a direct response to the president’s consideration of giving his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, a pardon.
Manafort is serving in a federal prison after being convicted on bank fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy charges. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has also indicted him on state mortgage fraud charges.
{mosads}The New York State Assembly and the state’s senate passed the bill in May.
It ends the “double jeopardy loophole,” which prevents people from being prosecuted for crimes the federal government has already tried them for, according to NBC News. Under the legislation, state prosecutors can charge defendants who worked in the president’s administration, campaign, nonprofit or businesses — including those pardoned by the president — if the alleged crimes occurred in New York.
Presidents are only able to pardon people for federal crimes, not state crimes, NBC News noted.
Two investigations based in New York are exploring the president’s campaign and business dealings.