Session: State Capitol, Room 30 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3873 Fax: (907) 465-3922 Interim: PO Box 1441 Wrangell, AK 99929-1441 Phone: (907) 874-2318 Fax: (907) 874-3470 50 Front Street, Suite 203 Ketchikan, AK 99901 Phone: (907) 225-8088 Fax: (907) 225-0713

Sponsor Statement for SB 344
Terrorism - Aggravating Factor

"An Act relating to an aggravating factor at sentencing for terrorism."

This bill was introduced as a result of an alarming number of eco-terrorist groups surfacing around the country.

What we have seen in the last few years is that acts of eco-terrorism and eco-sabotage are not being committed by individuals with a passion for a cause; they are being committed by highly organized groups. Unfortunately, there is nothing in Alaska's statutes that addresses acts of terrorism. SB 344 provides an avenue for addressing these threats and crimes by making such actions aggravating factors at sentencing and providing harsher penalties.

Radical environmentalists who use arson, bombs and other forms of sabotage in the name of the environment have swept our country in the past 20 years. We need to send a clear message that terrorism is a serious crime and will be treated accordingly. SB 344 sends that message."

Many eco-terrorist groups spread their message of contempt and terror by hiding behind the First Amendment, and use newsletters, advertisements and meetings to encourage people to become "Eco-Kamikazes." The following is an example taken from an Earth First Journal.

"Are you terminally ill with a wasting disease? Don't go out with a whimper; go out with a bang! Undertake an eco-kamikaze mission. The possibilities for terminally ill warriors are limitless. Dams from the Columbia and the Colorado to the Connecticut are crying to be blown to smithereens, as are industrial polluters, the headquarters of oil-spilling corporations, fur warehouses, paper mills…To those feeling suicidal, this may be the answer to your dreams…Don't jump off a bridge, blow up a bridge. Who says you can't take it with you?"

At least nine states have already passed legislation increasing the penalties for these crimes. These acts of terrorism have resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in damages. We need to remember the Amtrak derailment or the Uni-bomber. It is past time to strengthen the penalties for such terrorist acts."

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