CS for SB 476 - Terrorism and Terrorist Activities

• Expands definition of "terrorism" to include violations of specified criminal statutes (murder, kidnapping, weapons offenses, cybercrime, etc.) when committed to intimidate government or civilians, with terrorism as a first-degree felony punishable under s. 775.082-775.084.

• Creates new crimes including military-type training from foreign terrorist organizations (second-degree felony, first-degree if results in death/serious bodily injury), membership in designated foreign terrorist organizations (second-degree felony), and providing material support to terrorists or designated foreign terrorist organizations (first-degree felony, life felony if results in death/serious bodily injury).

• Establishes agroterrorism offense for intentionally spreading contagious diseases among crops, poultry, or livestock (second-degree felony, life felony if causes death or serious bodily injury), with affirmative defense for legitimate medical procedures and scientific research.

• Increases penalties for murder in the first, second, and third degrees when committed as an act of terrorism or in furtherance of terrorism, incorporating new terrorism felonies created by this act.

• Requires Department of Law Enforcement to create guidelines for terrorism investigations in consultation with the Attorney General to protect privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties; effective October 1, 2017.