TerrorismKansas debating expanding definition of terrorism
Lawmakers in Kansas are debating a bill to expand the definition of “furtherance of terrorism” and allow victims of acts of terrorism to seek civil penalties from those convicted of terrorism. House Bill 2463 is modeled after an Arkansas law passed following an attack on a military recruiting office by Abdulhakim Mohamed. The foiled bomb plot at the Wichita airport in December 2013 gave Kansas persuaded lawmakers to emulate Arkansas’ example.
Lawmakers in Kansas are debating a bill to expand the definition of “furtherance of terrorism” and allow victims of acts of terrorism to seek civil penalties from those convicted of terrorism. House Bill 2463 is modeled after an Arkansas law passed following an attack on a military recruiting office by Abdulhakim Mohamed. The foiled bomb plot at the Wichita airport in December 2013 gave Kansas persuaded lawmakers to emulate Arkansas’ example.
“In light of recent events in Wichita, Kansas, I believe we need to stand firm against terrorism in Kansas,” Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said in written testimony. “We are not immune from these predators and this bill would give law enforcement the ability to investigate such acts.”
CJOnline reports that the bill would establish new standards under which law enforcement could arrest and prosecute individuals for “furtherance of terrorism” or illegal use of weapons of mass destruction. Under the bill, it would be illegal to provide material support for those who commit acts of terrorism, hinder the prosecution of the alleged crimes, or conceal or aid in the escape of individuals alleged of such crimes.
According to the Topeka Capital Journal, victims of terrorism would be able to take individuals convicted of terrorism to civil court and pursue up to three times the actual damages sustained or $10,000 — whichever is greater. Victims may also pursue attorney fees or ask the Kansas Attorney General to litigate on their behalf.
State Representative Steve Becker (R-Buhler) noted that Kansas already allows civil actions by terrorism victims, but the triple damages and Attorney General clause would be new additions.
The bill, introduced by Representative Peggy Mast (R-Emporia), would require prosecutors to prove “intent to aid terrorists” in the “material support” clause, as a way to excuse individuals who unknowingly contribute funds to groups that support terrorism. The bill would apply to mass acts of terrorism or those that are clearly meant to attack an instrumentality of the U.S. government, regardless of the religion or ideology that inspired the act of terror.
