Establishes the crime of terrorism recruitment, a class C felony

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law, in relation to establishing the crime of terrorism recruitment, a class C felony

Purpose

This bill establishes the crime of terrorism recruitment, a class C felony.

Summary of provisions

The penal law is amended by adding a new section 490.60 to create the crime of terrorism recruitment.

A person is guilty of terrorism recruitment when, with intent that another person engage in conduct constituting a crime, he or she recruits, solicits, requests, commands, importunes or otherwise attempts to cause a person to engage in terrorist conduct.

Justification

Terrorist organizations and their membership are in a perpetual search to recruit new members. Terrorists seek to entice the disenfranchised and gain members to carry out criminal acts.

The active recruitment for terrorist acts is a growing trend which requires an immediate response. As law enforcement actively seeks to unearth these groups and defeat their heinous schemes, we have a responsibility to hold accountable those who solicit or recruit individuals or groups for terrorism. This bill seeks to effectively deter terrorist recruitment and punish those who seek to employ others for their criminal plans.

Legislative history

S.6403 of 2006: Passed Senate; S.610 of 07/08 (Passed Senate)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.