Senator Gallivan Announces Senate Approves Bills to Increase Penalties for Terrorism Related Crimes

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the Senate has passed four bills to protect New Yorkers by dealing with individuals who make terroristic threats, engage in terrorist recruitment,  support acts of terrorism or participate in cyber terrorism.  The legislation strengthens existing laws or establishes new crimes to confront terrorists and criminal activities. 

“The fight against terrorism is ongoing and we must do all we can to go after those who wish to do harm to innocent citizens and communities,” Gallivan said.

The legislation overwhelmingly passed by the Senate includes:

S5349:  Sponsored by Senator Gallivan, the bill would amend current law to make it a class C felony to make a terroristic threat against a police officer.  Such action is currently classified as a class D felony.  

"We know that police officers, by the very nature of their jobs, are frequent targets of terroristic threats,” Gallivan said.  “By increasing the penalty for those who make such              threats, we not only deter these despicable acts but also hold those responsible accountable.”

S455:  Sponsored by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset) and co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, the bill would help prevent and punish those who engage in recruitment activity to get new members that will carry out criminal acts. The measure creates the crime of terrorism recruitment when a person recruits, solicits, requests, commands, importunes or otherwise attempts to cause another person to engage in terrorist activities.

S2942:  Sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville) and co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, the bill would increase criminal penalties for soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism. One of the biggest sources of funding for terrorist organizations is through money laundering and credit card fraud and this measure would help deter and penalize those who financially support terrorism.

S3404:  Sponsored by Senator Croci, the measure creates a new crime for when a person intends to cause widespread financial harm or commits a larceny offense against more than 10 people using a computer or related technology. Cyber terrorism is a pervasive and rapidly expanding threat, with New York State particularly at risk due to its status as a global hub of international business and commerce.

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.

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