State Legislation: Terrorism

Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering a bill (S.B. 193) that would expand the definitions of terrorism to include the use of weapons of mass destruction and would increase penalties for violations. The definition of terrorism would also change under the new provision. Under current state law, terrorism is defined as “any planned act of violence by an assemblage of two or more persons with the intent to cause damage or injury to another individual or his property.”

Under the new bill, terrorism would be defined as an act of violence or the threat of violence that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm. The act must be intended to threaten or coerce a civilian population or influence official policy. For the intentional damage of property to qualify as an act of terrorism, that damage must exceed $125,000.