(CNN) -- Nearly a month after false rumors on Twitter about school attacks caused car crashes when parents panicked on the streets of Veracruz, Mexico, state lawmakers there approved new regulations Tuesday making disturbing the peace a crime.





The new law could mean that imprisoned suspects previously accused of "terrorism" for their online posts could face significantly less time behind bars.





Now, those convicted of disturbing the peace could face up to four years in prison. State laws allow for a punishment of up to 30 years in prison for those convicted of terrorism.





Authorities say two suspects are behind false statements on Twitter and Facebook that fueled a chaotic scene in the Mexican port city of Veracruz last month.





One post claimed that five children were kidnapped. One mentioned bomb threats. Another described a helicopter was firing gunshots at an elementary school. "Remain calm. I think that the children should be in their homes. Go get them," another post warned.





Gov. Javier Duarte initially accused those behind the messages of "terrorism." But he proposed the new regulations amid a firestorm of criticism from activists and human rights groups, who said the terrorism accusation -- and the possible punishment -- didn't fit the crime.





In a debate in the state's congress Tuesday, opposition lawmakers called on Duarte to retract the initiative, arguing that the document was designed to help two people but could have a much broader impact.





A lawyer representing suspects Maria de la Luz Bravo Pagola and Gilberto Martinez Vera said his clients would not use the new provision in Veracruz state's penal code to defend themselves.





Instead, attorney Fidel Ordonez Solana said he planned to make the case that they should be set free before a federal judge at a hearing Friday.
What is the maximum sentence? What do opponents say? What does the new measure stem from?
30 years in prison the document was designed to help two people but could have a much broader impact. false rumors on Twitter
question: What is the maximum sentence?, answer: 30 years in prison | question: What do opponents say?, answer: the document was designed to help two people but could have a much broader impact. | question: What does the new measure stem from?, answer: false rumors on Twitter