Session: State Capitol, Room 418 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2995 Fax: (907) 465-6592 Interim: 716 W. 4th Ave., Suite 430 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0250 Fax: (907) 269-0249

Sponsor Statement for HB 350
Terroristic Threats

An Act relating to murder, conspiracy, criminal mischief, and terroristic threatening; and providing for an effective date.

September 11th, 2001 has changed the lives of Alaskan and Americans alike. What was once a concern for the safety of those living, working or visiting foreign destination from terroristic acts has painfully come home. Likewise, we have been warned of the dangers associated with terrorism.

Terrorism is not confined to public transportation, or the bombing of buildings or government offices. The added threat of chemical and biological warfare and weapons of mass destruction make it clear that we are in need of redefining our laws regarding terroristic acts.

The threat alone of a terroristic act can cripple a community. Imagine the chaos that would occur if someone said that they had just contaminated the public water utility with a deadly chemical agent. Citizens would panic, schools and businesses would close, and in general the community would come to standstill.

House Bill 350 would increase criminal penalties for certain acts of terrorism and would prohibit terroristic threats intended to frighten or cause specific harm to citizens. House Bill 350 also increases penalties of threats to our air, water and food supplies, utilities and pipelines.

House Bill 350 will provide law enforcement the necessary tools to arrest, detain and ultimately prosecute an individual who threatens public areas or conveyances.

A threat in this day and age must be taken seriously. House Bill 350 increases criminal penalties for certain acts of terrorism, terroristic threats and criminal mischief and punishes these criminals in accordance with the law.

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