BILL NUMBER: S2617          REVISED MEMO 01/08/2018

SPONSOR: LANZA
 
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 crimi-
nal 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 federal government's decision
to conduct any enemy combatant, terrorist trials in federal civilian
court.

Attempts by the federal government 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 trials 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.
Former Mayor Bloomberg's administration estimated 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:

2017: S.2617 - Passed Senate
2016: S.4505 - Passed Senate
2015: S.4505 - Passed Senate
2014: S.2142 - Passed Senate
2012: S.3871 - Passed Senate / A.6975 - Referred to Ways and Means
2011: S.3871 - Passed Senate / A.6975 - Referred to Ways and Means

 
FISCAL IMPLICATION:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.