JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation making it a misdemeanor crime to possess fraudulently obtained credit card information.
The legislation signed Monday by Nixon expands an existing law that makes it illegal to use someone else's identity to try to get credit or debit devices.
Nixon says current law does not allow charges against people who possess stolen credit information unless that information has been used.
The new law will add possession of fraudulently obtained credit and debit devices to a list of Class A misdemeanors, which are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a year and jail.
Nixon says the new law will provide police with another way to hold hackers and identity thieves accountable.
The law will take effect Aug. 28.