Bill > HB675

This bill adds a new article to Georgia's criminal code specifically targeting material support of terrorism, defining key terms and establishing strict criminal penalties. The legislation creates felony offenses for providing material support or resources to terrorist organizations, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000. The bill defines an "act of terrorism" as violent felony activities intended to intimidate civilians, influence government policy through coercion, or cause mass destruction. It specifically criminalizes providing tangible or intangible resources, personnel, expert advice, training, or concealing support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, with the crucial requirement that the person knows the organization is engaged in terrorist activities. The bill includes important exceptions for activities authorized by law enforcement agencies or legal services provided by attorneys. The legislation is intentionally designed to be interpreted consistently with federal laws and executive orders related to terrorism, providing a comprehensive state-level framework for prosecuting material support of terrorist activities. The bill emphasizes that independent actions not directly controlled by terrorist organizations would not necessarily constitute a violation.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70976