Bill > S1769

This bill amends Chapter 269 of Massachusetts General Laws to create a new section prohibiting the solicitation of terrorist acts, which is broadly defined to include actions like luring, inducing, persuading, or commanding others to commit dangerous crimes. The bill establishes criminal penalties for soliciting acts that threaten human life, property, or critical infrastructure (defined as essential public or private systems like water, emergency services, utilities, and financial networks). Individuals convicted of such solicitation could face imprisonment up to 20 years and fines up to $20,000 for acts dangerous to human life, or up to 10 years and $10,000 for acts dangerous to property or infrastructure. If the solicitation results in a loss of human life, the perpetrator could be imprisoned for life. The bill also requires courts to conduct hearings to assess damages and mandate restitution to affected parties. Additionally, the bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of existing terrorism-related laws, analyzing their effectiveness, evaluating current terrorist threat strategies, estimating resource needs for public safety, and providing recommendations for potential legislative or regulatory changes by May 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1769