Senate Passes Bill to Create Terrorist Registry

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the Senate has passed legislation (S3463C) that would establish a New York State terrorist registry and provide for sharing of terrorist information between the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  The registry is modeled after Megan’s Law which requires convicted sex offenders to register with the state.      

“Nothing is more important than the protection of our citizens,” Gallivan said.  “By creating a registry, law enforcement agencies and the public will have a powerful new tool to better track and monitor individuals who would do us harm.  No community is immune from acts of terrorism and we must do all we can to discourage and prevent such attacks in New York State.” 

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan and was approved by the Senate on Tuesday.  The registry would contain information on convicted terrorists who live, work or attend school in New York State, including personal, biographical and forensic information.  The registry would be assembled and administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Persons would be added to the registry only after their past conduct resulted in a conviction for the crime of terrorism or a federal action against them for committing a verifiable act of terrorism.  Registrants could only have their names removed from the registry if a court finds the circumstances justify the removal. 

The bill was approved by the Senate in 2015, but died in the Assembly.  The legislation is being sent back to the Assembly for consideration. 

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