Bill would broaden which groups count as terrorist organizations

The bill would count certain people and groups as terrorist organizations. The added definition covers any person, group, association, or organization, even if it claims a lawful or charitable purpose, whether or not it has a federal designation. A group qualifies under the added categories if it took part in planning, preparing, conspiring to commit, or committing terrorism; knowingly provided support to aid terrorism; or knowingly engaged in a pattern of urging or encouraging terrorism. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.

A victim could bring a civil lawsuit for damages against a person found guilty of violating the terrorism support law. A victim includes an injured person or their representative, and a person who suffers physical or psychological injury, dies, or has personal or real property harmed because of terrorism. The defendant must be found guilty of violating this section. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.