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SF 4953

Crime of providing material support or resources terrorism establishment

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Koran

The bill makes providing material support or resources to a terrorist establishment illegal in Minnesota and sets penalties.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 4953

Summary of Bill: SF 4953 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Overview

SF 4953 seeks to establish and criminalize the crime of providing material support or resources to a terrorist establishment. The bill is currently in the introductory stage and has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees. It includes a co-sponsorship from Rep. Mark Koran (as indicated in the sponsor field). The bill’s core aim is to define, prohibit, and penalize actions that facilitate the operations, support, or resources of groups designated as terrorist establishments.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a clear statutory offense for providing material support or resources to entities that are designated as terrorist establishments.
  • Align Minnesota law with broader state and federal prohibitions on material support to terrorism by defining the offense and specifying penalties.
  • Enable law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue cases involving support networks for terrorist activities.

Key Provisions (anticipated core elements)

Note: As of the introduction and first reading, the specific statutory text is not provided here. The summary below reflects typical components of material support to terrorism offenses and what such a bill would typically include. Please consult the bill’s actual text for precise language.

  • Definition of Material Support or Resources: A broad or specific list of items and services that qualify as material support, such as money, training, equipment, or services that facilitate terrorist activities. The definition may include tangible items and intangible resources (e.g., financial services, fundraising, expert advice, or recruitment).
  • Prohibited Conduct: Establishes that providing material support or resources to a terrorist establishment is unlawful. This could cover:
    • Direct transfer of funds or resources.
    • Providing services (logistics, operatives, translation, transportation).
    • Concealing or evading law enforcement in the transfer of resources.
  • Offsetting Defenses and Exceptions: Possible affirmative defenses (e.g., lack of knowledge of the recipient’s terrorist designation) or exemptions (e.g., humanitarian aid under specific conditions). The bill may outline circumstances under which assistance is not criminalized.
  • Penalties and Sanctions: Statutory penalties for individuals or entities found guilty, potentially including:
    • Criminal classifications (e.g., felony vs. misdemeanor).
    • Penalty ranges (e.g., years of imprisonment, fines).
    • Possible enhancements if the offense involves certain aggravating factors (e.g., engagement with designated organizations, crossing state lines, or international nexus).
  • Designation of Terrorist Establishment: Criteria or definitions for what constitutes a “terrorist establishment,” possibly referencing federal designations or state criteria.
  • Venue and Jurisdiction: Where cases can be prosecuted (state courts) and any cross-border or federal considerations.
  • Enforcement and Prosecution: Provisions related to investigation, evidence standards, and cooperation with federal authorities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals and organizations that provide any form of material support or resources to entities designated as terrorist establishments within Minnesota.
  • Financial institutions, charitable groups, and intermediaries who may route funds or resources.
  • Private individuals whose actions unintentionally enable terrorist activities could be implicated if their conduct falls within the statute.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary responsible for applying and enforcing the statute.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced on 2026-04-07; first reading completed.
  • Next Steps: Referral to Judiciary and Public Safety committees for examination, public testimony, and potential amendments. Senate or legislative process would include committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and, if passed, transmission to the opposite chamber and ultimately the governor for signature or veto.
  • Effective Date: The bill text (not provided here) would specify when the act takes effect, which could be immediate upon enactment or at a specified future date.

Notes and Considerations

  • The bill’s precise definitions, defenses, and penalties will significantly influence its impact and applicability. The actual statutory language will clarify:
    • How “terrorist establishment” is defined (designation sources and scope).
    • What constitutes “material support or resources.”
    • Any humanitarian or neutral aid exceptions.
    • Mandatory minimums, maximums, or enhanced penalties.
  • Given the public safety dimension, the bill may include enhanced penalties for repeat offenses or for involvement with interstate or international components.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include specific subsections from the bill text once you provide the operative language or link to the official draft.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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