BILL NUMBER:S3871

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to prohibit the expenditure of state and local funds relating to any
trial of enemy combatants at any federal court in the state of New York

PURPOSE:
This bill would prohibit the expenditure of state, local or public
authority moneys relating to federal terrorism trials in the state of
New York.

SUMMARY OF PROVISION:
Section one provides that the State, any political subdivisions or
public authorities shall not spend any funds relating to civilian
criminal trials of enemy combatants for acts of terrorism in any
federal court located in New York State.

JUSTIFICATION:
This bill would prohibit the New York State, including the City of New
York from paying expenses incurred for the Obama Administration's
decision to conduct any enemy combatant, terrorist trials in federal
civilian court.

The ill-conceived plan by President Obama and Attorney General Eric
Holder to try the 9/11 terrorist suspects in New York City civil
              

court rather than a military tribunal sends a dangerous message to
our enemies that want to destroy our American way of life. The United
States should be sending a message to the world that we are serious
with dealing with foreign attackers by trying them in a military
tribunal.

Conducting a civilian trial for terrorists responsible for the 9/11
attack in New York City will unnecessarily place New Yorkers at
risk and also place a huge economic burden on the State and City
taxpayers. Not only will increased security cost taxpayers hundreds
of millions of dollars, it will negatively impact businesses and
their employees. Mayor Bloomberg estimates that a trial in New York
City will cost taxpayers almost $1 billion.
Such trials will also disrupt City residents' daily lives and
potentially put their lives at risk for another terrorist attack.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2010: S.6717 - Referred to Finance.

FISCAL IMPLICATION:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.