Assemblyman Greg Myhre (R-Stafford) has introduced legislation that would expand New Jersey’s definition of a terrorist organization and allow victims of terrorism to seek civil damages from individuals and entities that support terrorist activity.
The bill, A-5558, would broaden the state’s legal framework to include organizations beyond those the federal government formally designates as foreign terrorist organizations.
The legislation would define a terrorist organization to include individuals, groups, or entities that plan, prepare for, or commit acts of terrorism, as well as those that provide material support for such activities.
It would also establish a civil cause of action allowing victims of terrorism to sue individuals or organizations that fund or otherwise support terrorist activity.
Myhre’s office said the measure is intended to close gaps in existing law that could limit state-level penalties or civil liability for individuals who support domestic extremist networks or groups that have not been designated as foreign terrorist organizations under federal law.
“As we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were lost on September 11th, 2001, and the pain inflicted on that awful day, we are yet again reminded that the threat of terrorism has not disappeared,” Myhre said. “A quarter century after that dark day, our nation still faces external threats, especially given the rise of radical organizations both at home and abroad.”
Myhre said the legislation is especially important given domestic terrorism threats.
“Providing a clear definition of what constitutes a terrorist network is critical, especially when our country has experienced domestically planned terror attacks in recent years,” Myhre said. “We must use every tool available to stop the deliberate destabilization of public safety.”
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-Ocean) is a prime sponsor of the bill. Assemblymembers Victoria Flynn (R-Holmdel), Robert Auth (R-Old Tappan), Robert Clifton (R-Matawan), Antwan McClellan (R-Ocean City) and Gregory McGuckin (R-Toms River) are co-sponsors.
A-5558 has been referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee. Sen. Carmen Amato (R-Berkeley) introduced a companion bill, S-4739, which the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has referred.
“By establishing robust penalties and giving victims the power to file civil lawsuits for damages, we are cutting off the financial and material supply lines that fuel this catastrophic violence,” Myhre said.
